LEE DONG EUN CLAIMS MAIDEN WIN WITH NATIONAL GLORY AT KOREAN WOMEN’S OPEN
Former Korea National Team standout lifts first pro title at major championship
Chungju, Korea - Lee Dong Eun, a former Korean Golf Association (KGA) national team player, captured her breakthrough victory in style by winning the DB Group 39th Korea Women’s Open Golf Championship on Sunday.
Held at the Rainbow Hills Country Club in Eumseong, Chungbuk Province, the championship concluded with Lee carding a composed 3-under-par 69 in the final round. Her four-round total of 13-under-par 275 was enough to clinch the title by a single stroke.
Lee, who represented Korea as an amateur in 2022, now becomes the 12th player to win her first professional event at this prestigious national title. Her triumph not only earns her the winner’s cheque of ₩300 million but also secures a three-year exemption on the KLPGA Tour – a significant foothold for any rising golfer.
“This is the tournament I dreamed of winning ever since my national team days,” said Lee. “Even after sinking the final putt, I wasn’t sure if it was real. I felt joy and excitement but also a sense of disbelief.”
Reflecting on her journey, she added: “I’ve trained relentlessly, and it’s been tough. I’m most grateful to my mother, who has been by my side through it all. My goal this year was to get my first win, and now that I have, I’m setting my sights on multiple victories. I hope to take on the U.S. stage as early as next year, but only after proving myself more here in Korea.”
Kim Si Hyun, who represented Korea on the national team in 2024, finished runner-up with a 12-under total, while defending champion Roh Seung Hee placed fourth at 7-under.
The tournament’s best amateur honours went to 2025 national squad member Park Seo Jin, who finished tied for 10th with a score of 2-under-par 286 – an impressive showing against a professional field.