Erika Hara Shines with Beautiful Play and Smile in Major Tournaments During First Korean Golf Appearance

It would not be an exaggeration to say that her first challenge on the Korean Tour was a great success.

Erika Hara (25), who made her debut in the major Korean Women’s Professional Golf (KLPGA) Tour event, the Hanwha Classic (held August 22-25), finished tied for 31st with a total score of 1-over par over the four days.

In addition to Hara, other Japanese players including Shina Kanazawa, Sora Kamiya, and amateur Mamika Shinchi also received invitations to participate. However, Hara’s popularity was unmatched. On the day before the tournament, she was invited to the official press conference alongside players from the tournament’s sponsor and prominent Korean Tour players. Korean media also introduced her with phrases such as:

“Standing at 173 cm tall, she has one of the top visuals on the Japanese Tour”

“Among her five career wins on the Japanese Tour, three are major victories showing her ‘competitive strength'”

Thus, her first landing in Korea was highly anticipated even before the tournament began.

 

“Divine Response” Shown to Fans

As the first day began, many photographers rushed to Hara’s group. Hara seemed aware of the high level of attention, and at the first hole, she didn’t forget to provide fan service, smiling for a commemorative photo after her tee shot.

Hara excited the audience with her beautiful play, moving up to 9th place by the end of the second day. Although she faltered on the final day with three birdies and six bogeys, she reflected on the tour with a smile after finishing the competition.

“The passionate support from Korean golf fans was very impressive and refreshing. It was fun to have fans cheering for me by name. I also got closer to the Korean players, particularly Yoon Ina, with whom I played during the first and second rounds. If given the chance, I would like to challenge the Korean Tour again.”