Jang Eun-soo, the Rookie of the Year in 2017, has secured her first victory on the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) regular tour, 10 years after her debut.

Playing in the final fourth round of the Jeju Samdasoo Masters (total purse of 1 billion won) held today (August 9) at the Teddy Valley Golf & Resort (par 72) in Seogwipo, Jeju Island, Jang carded three birdies without a single bogey.

Finishing with a total score of 14-under 274, Jang edged out co-runners-up Kang Chae-yeon and Moon Jung-min (both at 13-under 275) by a single stroke to claim the winner's prize of 180 million won.

For Jang, who won the Rookie of the Year title in 2017, this marked her maiden victory in her 187th regular tour appearance.

Although she was once a national development squad and national team member who went on to capture the rookie title, Jang lost her regular tour card three times after the 2020 season and had to split her time playing on the Dream Tour.

Starting the fourth round tied for second place and trailing Kang Chae-yeon by one stroke, Jang engaged in a tight battle until the very final hole.

Tied with Kang through the 15th hole, Jang pulled ahead to take the sole lead on the 16th hole (par 4).

On the 16th hole, rated the most difficult hole of the tournament with a 3rd-round average of 4.36 strokes, Jang landed her second shot 3 meters from the cup and successfully converted the birdie putt.

Her crisis management stood out during the final two holes.

On the 17th hole (par 3), she missed the green but used a wedge to place her ball 1.2 meters from the hole, successfully saving par. On the 18th hole (par 4), her tee shot landed in a fairway bunker, and her second shot with a utility club clipped the top of the ball; however, the mis-hit ball flew with a low trajectory onto the green, and she wrapped up the round with a two-putt, shedding tears of joy.

Looking back, Jang said, "I was surprised by the mistake on the final hole, but I am glad the result turned out okay," adding, "My shots weren't going the way I wanted, but emptying my mind and playing with a clear head helped me a lot."

(Photo provided by KLPGA, Yonhap News)