Defending Champion Hong Jung-min Withdraws on Opening Day of KLPGA Mediheal·Hankook Ilbo Championship

Defending champion Hong Jung-min has withdrawn from the Korea Women's Professional Golf (KLPGA) Tour Mediheal·Hankook Ilbo Championship (total purse of 1.2 billion won) on the opening day due to lower back pain.

Hong withdrew midway through the first round of the tournament held today, August 13, at the Montvert Country Club in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province.

Hong recorded a double bogey on the 1st hole (par 4) and subsequently retired from the match on the green of the 2nd hole (par 4).

Hong, the prize money leader of the 2025 season, won last year's tournament by posting 29-under 259, setting the KLPGA Tour record for the lowest score over 72 holes.

Hong also withdrew from the Aurora World Championship two weeks ago and did not compete in the Jeju Samdasoo Masters last week.

Having enjoyed a stellar season last year with three wins including this tournament, Hong has experienced a slump this season due to a back injury.

(Photo provided by KLPGT, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.