Yoon Yi-na Shows Signs of Breakthrough in LPGA Second Season

Last year, LPGA rookie Yoon Yi-na recorded only two bogey-free rounds out of 79 rounds on the LPGA Tour. She achieved her first bogey-free round in the second round of the BMW Ladies Championship in October, and again in the fourth round of the ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge in November—her final round of the season. Her bogey-free round ranking remained at tied 80th. Rookie of the Year Miyu Yamashita of Japan topped this category with 14 bogey-free rounds.

Among LPGA Tour statistics, there is also "Bogey Avoidance," which measures the probability of scoring bogey or worse. Yoon ranked 78th in this category at 16.88%. Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand led at 10.55%, followed by Kim Hyo-joo at 11.11% and Yamashita at 11.36%.

After battling bogeys throughout last season, can Yoon spread her "birdie wings" and soar this year? Her performance at the LET season-opening PIF Saudi Ladies International, ahead of her first LPGA start, offers a cautious glimpse of what to expect from second-year Yoon.

Finishing tied for sixth at 16-under par, Yoon recorded two bogey-free rounds during the four-round tournament. Her total of six bogeys over four days was not excessive. Champion Charley Hull of England made seven bogeys, while co-runner-up Akie Iwai of Japan at 18-under also recorded six bogeys. Choi Hye-jin, who finished tied for fourth at 17-under, had five bogeys—one fewer than Yoon.

Two of Yoon's six bogeys came consecutively. Consecutive bogeys were flagged as a problem last year. But unlike last year, she recovered with a birdie storm after each instance.

In the first round, after consecutive bogeys on holes 9 and 10, she parred one hole before rallying with four consecutive birdies. In the third round, she again made consecutive bogeys on holes 5 and 6, but showed excellent recovery by capturing one eagle and four birdies over the remaining 12 holes. Though she had back-to-back bogeys twice, her ability to quickly regain composure without collapsing was distinctly different from last year's Yoon.

Her dominant performance on par-5 holes also raises expectations for her breakthrough this year. Over four days, Yoon recorded two eagles, nine birdies, and one bogey on par-5s, gaining 12 strokes. In the first round alone, she picked up five strokes on the four par-5 holes with one eagle and three birdies. She effectively utilized her long-drive ability through aggressive "going for the green in two" strategies.

Yoon will make her first LPGA start of the season at the Honda LPGA Thailand, held February 19-22 at Siam Country Club in Chonburi Pattaya, Thailand. She was ineligible for this event last year as a rookie. While her rookie debut at the Founders Cup ended in a missed cut, derailing her early season, this tournament has no cut line, allowing her to compete with a relaxed mindset. Moreover, the confidence gained from her tied-sixth finish at the Saudi International last week lightens the weight on her shoulders.

Ahead of the season, Yoon said, "I think my drive shots can become a weapon again this year." She also declared, "I will play bold, enjoyable golf while believing in myself."

The time as "rookie Yoon Yi-na" was difficult but certainly brought growth. And now, the time of "second-year Yoon Yi-na" begins anew.