Teammate of the Sexy Queen Claims First Victory! The Fresh, Innocent Smile of Korea’s New Golf Heroine Revealed

A late-blooming new star has emerged in Korean women’s golf. Twenty-two-year-old Lee Yoo-rin captured her first win at the Korean Women’s Professional Golf Tour’s Sansangin–Hankyung Wownet Open, held from October 16 to 19. It was the long-awaited moment of triumph since her debut on the regular tour in 2023.

Korean media celebrated the birth of a new heroine with headlines such as:

“A star is born! Lee Yoo-rin wins her first title after the season’s longest five-hole playoff” (Sports Times)

“From 74th in the seed rankings to a two-year seed—Lee Yoo-rin wins her first title in her 81st appearance”(Mania Times)

On the final day, she shot a 71 with five birdies and four bogeys, finishing at 12-under par. Tied for the lead, she faced veteran Park Ji-young—who has 10 tour wins—in a playoff. As Sports Times reported, the duel extended to five holes. In the end, she sank an 8-meter birdie putt to seal the victory, tears in her eyes as she said, “It feels like I’m dreaming.”

There was a reason for her tears. This season, she had been in terrible form, missing the cut 13 times since the season opener. Her fairway-hit percentage was 61.88%, ranking 101st, and her greens-in-regulation rate was 67.39%, ranking 73rd—her driver and irons both lacked stability.

Then came this tournament. Over the four days, she hit 90% of fairways on par-4 holes—barely missing any—and her greens-in-regulation rate climbed to 79%. With shot-making that seemed like that of a completely different player, she captured the title.

Teammates call her the “Sexy Queen”

Before the tournament, Lee Yoo-rin was in danger of losing her tour card, ranked 74th as reported by the golf media Mania Times (only the top 60 in the money rankings retain their seed for the next year). But with this victory, she secured a two-year seed and soared to 28th in the money rankings. At the victory press conference, the first words out of her mouth were:

“I’m just incredibly happy! I can’t find any other words to express it. I’m so happy, and I’ll never forget this moment.”

She beamed with an open, unreserved smile.

Korean media attention is not only on the dramatic story of a win after hardship. As an amateur, she played for the national team (Team Korea) in 2020 and 2021, and was considered a player with great potential expected to succeed as a pro. Her talent is widely acknowledged. In addition, her charming smile has made her popular, and this year she joined the Doosan Engineering & Construction We’ve Golf Team. This famous team is home to many popular women golfers, including Yoo Hyun-joo (31), known as the next-generation sexy queen.

For her sponsor, Doosan Engineering & Construction, signing her was clearly a bet on her future potential—and with this victory, that decision paid off beautifully. If she continues to refine her strengths—her precise iron shots and steady course management—and goes on to win a second and third title, her popularity will undoubtedly grow even more.