Korea's Top Five Long Drivers Unite at Fortinet Founders Cup

Last year, three Korean players ranked among the top 20 in driving distance on the LPGA Tour. Kim A-rim, Korea's premier long hitter, placed 11th with 273.32 yards, followed by Yun I-na at 13th with 272.94 yards and Ryu Hae-ran at 19th with 270.05 yards. This year, two more of Korea's top long drivers joined them on the LPGA circuit: Hwang Yu-min, who won the Lotte Championship last year as an invited player, and Lee Dong-eun, who earned her LPGA rookie card through the Q-Series Final. This marks the formation of Korea's "Big Five" long drivers. Through four tournaments this season, their driving prowess has yet to fully materialize in the rankings. Kim A-rim sits at 26th (271.50 yards), Yun I-na at 28th (271.19 yards), Ryu Hae-ran at 34th (269.86 yards), Hwang Yu-min at 63rd (262.59 yards), and Lee Dong-eun at 114th (251.13 yards). However, their rankings are expected to climb as the season progresses. The five have never competed together in the same tournament until now. Lee Dong-eun, lacking eligibility for other events, had only played in the Blue Bay LPGA, the season's fourth tournament. Starting April 19, Korea's "Big Five" long drivers will finally compete together at the Fortinet Founders Cup at Sharon Heights Golf and Country Club (par 72) in Menlo Park, California. A total of 21 Korean women golfers have entered the field, including Kim Sei-young, Kim Hyo-joo, Choi Hye-jin, Lee So-mi, Lim Jin-hee, Choi Un-jeong, Lee Il-hee, Yang Hee-young, Jeon In-ji, Kang Min-ji, An Na-rin, Lee Jeong-eun5, Park Geum-gang, Ju Su-bin, Jang Hyo-jun, and Lee Jeong-eun6, who qualified through Monday qualifying. The tournament promises the season's first high-caliber showdown. Eight of the world's top 10 players will compete: world No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand, No. 2 Nelly Korda of the United States, No. 4 Minjee Lee of Australia, No. 5 Miyuu Yamashita of Japan, No. 6 Lydia Ko of New Zealand, No. 9 Lottie Woad of the United States, plus No. 8 Kim Hyo-joo and No. 10 Kim Sei-young. Only No. 3 Charley Hull of England and No. 7 Hannah Green of Australia are absent from the top 10. Despite the strong international field, Korean women golfers are riding momentum from Im Mi-hyang's Blue Bay LPGA victory and Lee Jeong-eun6's win at the Epson Tour IOA Golf Classic.

Korea's Top Five Long Drivers Unite at Fortinet Founders Cup

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