Park Hyun-kyung wins Earth Mondamin Cup in Japan, pockets 690 million won prize

Park Hyun-kyung claimed victory at the Earth Mondamin Cup on the Japan Ladies Professional Golf Association (JLPGA) Tour, which carried a purse of 400 million yen ($2.47 million).

Playing the final round Monday at Camellia Hills Country Club (par 72, 6,699 yards) in Sodegaura, Chiba Prefecture, Japan, Park fired a 4-under-par 68 — five birdies against one bogey — to finish at 12-under 276 and edge joint runners-up Kobayashi Mitsuki and Inagaki Nanako of Japan by one stroke.

It was the first time in two years that a JLPGA Tour event had been decided on a Monday. The victory gave Park her first JLPGA Tour win and secured her tour card, along with a winner's check of 72 million yen (about 690 million won), the largest prize in a single JLPGA event.

Park maintained intense focus throughout five grueling days after bad weather disrupted the tournament's schedule. In the final round she traded a birdie and bogey on the second and third holes before reeling off four more birdies on the remaining holes. On the par-5 18th, she had a birdie chance from about 3 meters but her putt stopped 50 centimeters short of the cup.

In her post-round interview, Park said the five-day format was a first in her career and that she had worried whether her body would hold up. "I was able to push through with mental strength," she said. "I'm truly happy to have won on the stage that is Japan. Even as a foreign player, the gallery's wholehearted cheering gave me so much energy."

When asked how she planned to spend her prize money, Park drew laughter from the room by saying she wanted to buy a Cartier watch. She also expressed admiration for her sunbae Lee Bo-mi, who won the tournament back-to-back in 2015 and 2016. "I can't compare myself to the remarkable records and skill Lee Bo-mi built in Japan," Park said, "but she has always been someone I look up to and a role model I want to emulate."

Japanese golf media, including Golf Digest Online, gave Park's first win extensive coverage and praised her widely. Local outlets highlighted not only her play but also the polished manner in which she handled the media and fans.

Golf Digest Online wrote that watching Park bow graciously as she left the press conference evoked memories of Lee Bo-mi in her prime — a player who had been adored by Japanese fans. "I have a feeling a new heroine is about to be born on the JLPGA Tour," the outlet said.

Veteran Shin Ji-yae carded a final-round 68 to finish at 10-under 278 and take sole fourth place. Park Min-ji, who also competed in the event, tied for fifth at 9-under 279, while Ko Ji-won tied for ninth at 7-under 281.