US Women’s Open champion So Yeon Ryu is heading to the Gold Coast for the RACV Australian Ladies Masters from 2 to 5 February.
The 21-year old from South Korea has confirmed she will be joining fellow 2011 major championship winner American Stacy Lewis and teenage sensation Lexi Thompson, in what is shaping up to be another thrilling event with an array of talented players from all around the world converging on the RACV Royal Pines Resort.
Since turning pro at the end of 2007 Ryu has been playing at home on the KLPGA tour. In just three short seasons she has made a name for herself having won an impressive seven times. However, in July this year Ryu made a name for herself worldwide by becoming a major champion on the LPGA tour.
Ryu, won the 66th US Women’s Open at The Broadmoor East Course in Colorado Springs when she defeated compatriot Hee Kyung Seo in a three-hole aggregate playoff. Both players finished the regulation 72 holes at 281 (-3), two shots ahead of American Cristie Kerr.
It isn’t the first visit to the Gold Coast for the gifted player, in fact she finished runner-up in 2009 to Katherine Hull and in 2010 finished outright fifth behind seven time champion Karrie Webb.
Ryu said of her return “It is great to be going back, I enjoy visiting the Gold Coast and playing in the Australian Ladies Masters at RACV Royal Pines Resort”.
Another 2011 LPGA tournament winner and fellow South Korean Hee Young Park will be joining Ryu at the Gold Coast.
The 24-year old had displayed her prodigious talent on numerous occasions in her four years on the LPGA tour by shooting low rounds, but hadn’t been able to quite break through for her first victory. However that changed at the LPGA’s season ending CME Group Titleholders where she put it all together for four rounds.
Park carded rounds of 71-69-69-70 to finish at 9-under 279 for a two-stroke victory over American Paula Creamer and Germany’s Sandra Gal, both finishing at 7-under 281.
“I am looking forward to playing the Masters. I have played this event before, and I love the Gold Coast lifestyle. In the past I have spent a lot of time on the Gold Coast at training camps. I like the Royal Pines layout for me.” said Park from her Orlando base.