Haeran Ryu Claims First Major Title with Victory at Women’s PGA Championship
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
CHASKA, Minnesota: South Korea’s Haeran Ryu captured the first major championship of her professional career after winning the Women’s PGA Championship by two strokes at Hazeltine National Golf Club on Sunday.
The victory marks another milestone in Ryu’s rapidly growing career and continues South Korea’s strong record in one of women’s golf’s biggest tournaments.
Strong Comeback Leads to Historic Victory
Ryu finished the tournament at 13-under-par 275 after carding a final-round 2-under 70 in challenging windy conditions.
Despite opening the championship with a 73 and sitting well behind the leaders after the first round, Ryu produced an impressive comeback over the remaining three rounds to secure the title.
Her victory made her the first player in at least six decades to recover from a double-digit deficit after the opening round and win a women’s major championship.
After sinking the winning putt on the 18th green, Ryu celebrated with her team and supporters as she lifted her first major trophy.
Confidence Key to Success
Speaking after her victory, Ryu credited the encouragement of her coach, who advised her to trust her game, her caddie and her preparation throughout the tournament.
The win comes after Ryu returned to competition following a six-week break, showing composure and consistency throughout the weekend.
South Korea’s Continued Success
Ryu also became the sixth South Korean golfer to win the Women’s PGA Championship over the tournament’s last 12 editions, highlighting the country’s continued strength in women’s golf.
The 2023 LPGA Tour Rookie of the Year has steadily established herself as one of the tour’s rising stars, and this victory represents the biggest achievement of her career to date.
Final Leaderboard
Ina Yoon finished runner-up, two strokes behind the champion.
Brooke Henderson and Dewi Weber shared third place at 10-under-par, while Americans Allisen Corpuz, Auston Kim, and Alison Lee finished tied for fifth.
With her breakthrough major victory, Haeran Ryu adds her name to the list of elite champions and takes another significant step in her professional golfing career.
