LPGA Yoon Ea: New Confidence for 2024 Season

Bang Shin-sil “I can run to the fans’ support… the preparation process to go to a bigger stage”

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(Seoul = Yonhap News) Reporter Kim Dong-chan = Yoon Ina, who is in her second year on the LPGA Tour, predicted a different appearance in the 2026 season.

Yoon Ina attended the TaylorMade 2026 new product driver Qi4D unveiling event held at Grand Walkerhill Seoul in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul on the 9th and expressed her determination for this year.

Yoon Ea, who debuted on the LPGA tour last year, said, “I went (to the United States) with the goal of winning, and there were times when I came close to that goal in the first and second rounds, but in the end, I was disappointed,” and said, “I think I played a lot that wasn’t like me last year.”

Yoon Ina, who was selected as one of the LPGA Tour Rookie of the Year candidates ahead of the opening of the 2025 season, participated in 26 tournaments last year, and her best result was a tie for 10th place at the Toto Japan Classic in November.

However, Yoon Ina revealed that she also made some income during her first year of living in the United States.

He said, “If I look at the growth goals I set last year, I achieved them to some extent,” and added, “I was able to feel the fun of gaining things one by one through things I did not experience when playing in Korea.”

He added, “I learned a lot from watching really good players. In that respect, I thought I did well in entering the U.S., and I felt that I was growing as a golfer.”

“This year, I am trying to return to the way I used to play,” said Yoon Ina, confident that “my short game skills have improved a lot after living in the U.S. for a year.”

Yoon Eana, who said while playing on the U.S. tour that “I couldn’t fully enjoy my golf because of the pressure of having to get good grades,” pledged, “My fans were also upset, but this year, I will trust myself more and try to play golf as confidently as I did in 2024.”

In 2024, Ina Yoon had the best year on the KLPGA tour, winning prize money, grand prize points, and first place in average strokes, and also succeeded in advancing to the United States.

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Meanwhile, Bang Shin-sil, who attempted to advance to the U.S. for the 2026 season through the LPGA Qualifying Series last December, but failed to take advantage of the opportunity, said, “I think this time is not a ‘pause’ but a preparation process to go on to a bigger stage,” and added, “Thanks to the support of the fans, I was able to hold on and run well so far.”

Bang Shin-sil said, “Based on last season’s experience, I will show a stronger appearance,” and added, “This year, I want to expand my stage by gaining a lot of experience not only domestically but also overseas.”

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2026/01/09 12:55 Sent
Sent at 12:55 on January 9, 2026