Golf Digest reporter] Playing on the regular tour has given me more confidence. Whether he wins this year or not, he knows he’ll do it one day. Bang Shin-sil (19) will try to win again.
Bang carded five birdies and one bogey for a 4-under 68 in the first round of the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour’s E1 Charity Open ($900,000) at Seongmunan Country Club (Par 72) in Wonju, Gangwon Province, on Saturday to share the lead with Kim Min-sun (20) and Ji Hansol (27).
While everyone is desperate for a win, Bang needs to win in the first half of the year to stay on the tour in the second half. He has his sights set on winning every tournament.
After finishing 40th in last year’s Regular Tour seeding event, she was only able to earn a conditional seeding. She debuted later than her peers, including Kim Min-byul (19) and Hwang Yoo-min (20), and made a strong impression in her first tournament.
At the last KLPGA Championship, Bang burst onto the scene in the first round, shooting a 5-under-par 67. She was in contention for the title, but dropped a stroke in the final round and finished fourth.
There were other opportunities. In May, she played in the championship group at the NH Investment & Securities Ladies Championship. She took the lead at one point, but missed the final hole and finished third.
Bang had a chance to win her third title in Wonju. She played alongside American Hye Jin Choi (24) and last year’s rookie of the year Lee Ye Won (20), but she was not intimidated by their experience.
Especially on the 16th hole (par-5), she teed off with a 3-wood and hit her second shot with a 3-wood. It’s a pretty savvy course management move for a long hitter on a course where fairways need to be protected. 스포츠토토
“I wasn’t feeling well today because I had a cold, but I felt good with my shots and putts, so I finished with a good score,” said Bang, adding, “There’s no pressure whether I’m on the Dream Tour or seeded. I want to do my best.”
When asked if she felt no pressure because she was confident, she laughed and said, “That’s true, and I shouldn’t be.” Rather, he feels overwhelmed by the attention he’s been getting lately. “I’m grateful that I have a lot of things to work on. That’s why I’m trying to work harder.”
He also has a “number” to win. He has a professional caddie with him for the tournament. “The next two days, I’ll do my best shot by shot, just like today. I’ll focus on staying in the fairway,” he said.