| James Kon |
A SERIES of consecutive birdies helped Ran Hong of South Korea lift the Brunei Ladies Open yesterday after cruising to an 18-under par 195 at The Empire Hotel & Country Club.
Gracing the prize presentation ceremony of the three-day competition was Her Royal Highness Princess ‘Azemah Ni’matul Bolkiah who presented the winner’s trophy and prize money of $140,000,000 Korean Won.
Hong’s nearest rival and compatriot, Choi Ka Ram was five shots behind finishing 13-under par 200.
Hong secured her exemption for two years in the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association’s (KLPGA) tournament with the win and expressed thanks to those supporting her.
“It is an honour to lift the championship. I would like to convey my thanks to everyone, especially to Lee Man Duek, the Managing Director of Sam Chuli company, who has constantly given me support even if I had a disappointing performance,” she said.
“With the win in Brunei, I have also secured my exemption for two years in the KLPGA’s tournament.”
Recalling her game, she said, “I felt that my body moved better and I had a better swing. I was in the best condition. It was a tight game today until Hole No 7, then I managed to pull away by scoring birdies at Hole No 8 and 9.
“The turning point was when I also carded birdies at Hole No 11 and 12, allowing me to win the championship.”
Having played in many courses in South Korea, Hong felt that it was exciting to play at The Empire Hotel & Country Club’s Golf Course.
“I really like the golf course here as it both challenging and rewarding. I can do badly in one hole and recover back strongly in the next, which make the game more exciting.
“The course maintenance is perfect and I would like to thank the course maintenance team.”
Hong also parted some advice for local golfers.
“The weather and course condition is perfect. You also have very good golf facilities here. I would like to urge local female golfers to work hard and do their best. The game can be on your side.”
Hong will continue to play tournaments organised by the KLPGA to further improve and develop her golfing skills.
Also in attendance were Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Muda Bahar; Cabinet Ministers; Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha bin Pengiran Metassan, President of Brunei Darussalam Golf Association; members of the Brunei Darussalam Golf Association, KLPGA and China Ladies Professional Golf Association; and sponsors.