Korea’s Soomin Oh Finishes Runner-Up at WAAP
7th Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship
Quang Nam, Vietnam – Korean national team golfer Soomin Oh secured runner-up honours at the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship (WAAP), the premier women’s amateur tournament in the region.
Oh shot a five-under-par 66 in the final round at Hoiana Shores Golf Club (par 71) on 9 March, carding five birdies to finish with a total score of 17-under-par 267.
The title went to Malaysia’s Jeneath Wong, who held onto her overnight lead to claim victory with a final total of 18-under-par 266, just one stroke ahead of Oh.
Thrilling Finish Falls Just Short
Oh made her first birdie at the 3rd hole, adding three more at the 10th, 14th, and 15th. She had a chance to force a playoff with an eagle putt on the final hole, but the ball narrowly missed the cup. Wong, who birdied the same hole, sealed the one-shot victory.
"This was my second WAAP appearance, and I just wanted to enjoy the experience. That mindset led to a better result," said Oh. "Next month, I will compete in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur (ANWA), and I will give my best effort there as well."
Strong Korean Performances
Fellow Korean Sumin Hong finished third, three shots behind Wong with a final total of 15-under-par 269 after a three-under 68 on the final day.
Yunseo Yang posted a five-under 66, finishing in a tie for fourth at 14-under 270.
Among the younger Korean participants, Park Seo-jin (born 2008) finished tied for 7th at 10-under 274, while Park Seo-jin (born 2007) tied for 9th at 9-under 275. Sung Ah-jin concluded the event tied for 33rd at one-over 285.
WAAP Continues to Highlight Asia-Pacific Talent
Co-hosted by The R&A and the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC), the WAAP was launched in 2018 to identify and develop promising women’s golfers from the region.
Over the previous six editions (excluding 2020, which was cancelled due to COVID-19), the title had been claimed by players from Thailand, Japan, and Taiwan. With Wong’s triumph, Malaysia has now produced its first champion. Meanwhile, Korea’s wait for a WAAP winner continues.
Major Opportunities Await the Champion
As part of her victory, Jeneath Wong has earned exemptions into three major championships.
AIG Women’s Open
Chevron Championship
Amundi Evian Championship
Additionally, she will receive invitations to:
Hana Financial Group Championship (KLPGA Tour)
ISPS Handa Australian Open
122nd Women’s Amateur Championship
Augusta National Women’s Amateur (ANWA)
With Korea’s golfers showing strong performances but missing out on the title once again, attention now turns to the upcoming ANWA and other major amateur events where they will look to claim victory on the international stage.