Ageless Elegance on the Fairway: Yoo Hyun-joo Shines in Korean Women’s Golf Season Opener

Yoo Hyun-joo (30), also known as the model on the field in the South Korean women’s professional golf world, participated in the domestic opening event of the South Korean women’s golf tour, the “Doosan Construction Weve Championship” (held from April 4th to 7th), as a sponsor’s exemption.

 

Although this season she mainly competes in the second-tier “Dream Tour,” as the tournament was hosted by Doosan Construction, she participated as a member of her agency’s hostess pro team and as a prominent player. On the first day, she carded a 74 with two birdies, two bogeys, and one double bogey, starting at 2-over par. On the second day, she captured five birdies, including three consecutively. Despite hitting four bogeys, she completed the round with a score of 71, one under par, and tied for 82nd place overall at 1-over par. Although she fought well, she unfortunately missed the cut.

Still, her fairway hit rate and greens in regulation rate on par-4 holes remained at 80%. Especially, her shot accuracy on the second day proved that she can compete adequately even on the regular tour, but she struggled with too many bogeys, leaving room for improvement in her course management. Nevertheless, there were many scenes where her smile was visible, and fans greatly enjoyed them. After the match, she posted positive comments on her own Instagram.

“Though the disappointment lingers, it was a debut tournament where I felt a lot. I’ve started the season aiming to show a better performance. Fighting in the second-tier tour starting tomorrow!”

Many fans have left supportive comments in response,

“I sincerely hope you win in the second-tier tour!”

“You’re a player with many strengths, so please continue to walk your path with determination!”

“Applause for your passion for golf!”

Warm messages like these are pouring in.

In addition, she just turned 30 this February, marking a significant milestone. In the South Korean tour, players in their 30s are overwhelmingly rare, and most tend to retire. Yu Hyonju turned pro in 2011 and has yet to win a tournament, so perhaps she still feels she can’t quit until she achieves victory.

With approximately 380,000 followers on Instagram, she boasts overwhelming popularity among South Korean women professional golfers. Her beautiful appearance and excellent sense of fashion in wearing attire are highly regarded in the golf world. She also hosts regular golf programs, and if she wears a particular outfit that becomes a topic of discussion, inquiries flood in. While she currently enjoys the support of numerous sponsors, the desire to be recognized for her skills remains a common aspiration among professional golfers. The battle for her first tour victory continues this year.