Park Hyun-kyung, a winner of eight KLPGA Tour titles known by her nickname "Cutie-full," has claimed victory at the Earth Mondamin Cup, the JLPGA Tour tournament with the highest prize purse of 400 million yen (approximately 3.82 billion won).

On the final day of the tournament held at the Camellia Hills Country Club (par 72) in Chiba Prefecture, Japan, on June 29, Park carded five birdies and one bogey for a 4-under 68, finishing with a total of 12-under 276.

Park edged out runners-up Mitsuki Kobayashi and Nanako Inagaki of Japan (11-under 277) by a single stroke to take home the winner's prize of 72 million yen (approximately 690 million won).

The tournament, originally scheduled to conclude on June 28, was delayed due to persistent bad weather, leading to the completion of the remaining third-round matches and the fourth round on June 29.

Despite the challenging circumstances, Park maintained high concentration to secure the win, which also earned her a spot on the JLPGA Tour.

Park is a leading figure in Korean golf who tied for the most wins on the 2024 KLPGA Tour with three victories.

She recorded one win last year, and this season, she had finished as the runner-up twice without a win.

Earlier this month, she faced a setback when she was disqualified during the first round of the Korea Women's Open Golf Championship for using a distance-measuring device, but she has now tasted the joy of her first win of the season in Japan.

While primarily active on the KLPGA Tour, Park had previously competed in three JLPGA Tour events.

This marks her first victory on the Japanese stage.

In an interview with local media outlets including Alba.net after the tournament, Park said, "My grandmother passed away recently, so I approached this tournament with a heavy heart," adding, "I will continue to work hard in my professional career."

She added, "I have won eight times in Korea, but I was feeling impatient as I hadn't been able to add another win. I am happy to achieve my ninth victory in Japan, a country I like."

Park suffered the loss of her grandmother on June 20 during the KLPGA Tour's Inka Financial The Heaven Masters, but she finished that tournament, held the funeral, and then traveled to Japan to achieve this victory.

Shin Ji-yai, a legend of Korean women's golf with 29 JLPGA Tour wins, finished in 4th place with a 4-under 68 in the final round for a total of 10-under 278.

Park Min-ji, who competes on the KLPGA Tour, tied for 5th at 9-under 279, while Ko Ji-won tied for 9th at 7-under 281.

(Photo: Courtesy of KLPGA, Yonhap News)