Ryu wins Korea Women's Open, offers prize money to virus relief efforts
2-time major champion plays 1st tournament in 4 months
Two-time major champion So-yeon Ryu closed with an even-par 72 to win the Korea Women's Open on Sunday in her first tournament in four months because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ryu won for the first time since the Japan Women's Open in 2018, and it was her first victory on the LPGA of Korea Tour since 2015.
Upon winning, Ryu offered her entire prize money of just over $200,000 US for coronavirus relief funds.
"I thought of donating since last night," Ryu said. "Before the awards ceremony, I called my mom. I told her that I'm going to make the announcement so don't get too surprised. She was just as happy I was. Since this tournament has a lot of meaning to me and I thought that I may be able to play better if I had a positive goal, I came up with it last night."
WATCH | Ryu wins in her return to competition:
Ryu and Hyo Joo Kim, another regular on the LPGA Tour, matched pars on the entire back nine of Bears Best Cheongna Golf Club. Kim shot 70 to finish one shot behind.
Sei Young Kim, who won $1.5 million for her victory at the LPGA Tour's finale last November in Florida, led by one going to the back nine until she was slowed by three bogeys. She had to settle for a 70 and tied for fourth.
Jin Young Ko, the No. 1 player in women's golf, shot 72 and finished sixth.
Several LPGA Tour players from Korea have been playing their home circuit since it returned five weeks ago. The LPGA Tour is not scheduled to resume until July 31 at Inverness in Ohio.
With files from Field Level Media
