LPGA Dow Championship: Im Jin-hee and Lee So-mi Set Sights on First Tour Victory

Korean golfers Im Jin-hee and Lee So-mi are poised to make a breakthrough at the upcoming LPGA Tour Dow Championship, both chasing their first-ever LPGA Tour victories as teammates.

The Dow Championship, held at Midland Country Club in Michigan, United States, from June 27, features a distinctive team format where 142 players compete in pairs, alternating between foursomes and four-ball formats throughout the four-day event.

Rounds one and three will use the foursomes format, where teammates take turns striking the same ball, while rounds two and four switch to the four-ball format, with each player playing their own ball and the better score counting for the team.

Im Jin-hee made a strong impression last year, finishing 18th on the LPGA money list and runner-up in Rookie of the Year standings. This season, she has already recorded three top-10 finishes. Lee So-mi has shown similar momentum, reaching the top ten at two consecutive recent tournaments and achieving her best major finish—tied for eighth—at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship.

Both golfers have impressive records on the KLPGA Tour, with Im having secured six titles and Lee five. Now, the duo aims to translate their success to the LPGA stage.

A win at the Dow Championship carries significant rewards: the champions earn a two-year LPGA Tour card, along with the same recognition and privileges as winners of regular LPGA tournaments.

Meanwhile, Korea’s Yoo Hae-ran is set for a strong partnership with World No. 1 Rose Zhang as they aim for their second victory of the season. Other notable Korean contenders include Anna Lin teaming up with prolific putter Ayaka Furue, Sei Young Kim united with Auston Kim, and the high-profile pairing of Sung Hyun Park and Yoon Ina. In addition, Jeon In-ji will compete alongside Jennifer Song.

This year’s Dow Championship features an impressive roster of global stars, with teams including Patty Tavatanakit with Ruoning Yin, the Jutanugarn sisters, and the Iwai twins, setting the stage for a series of riveting team battles.

Note “This article was translated from the original Korean version using AI assistance, and subsequently edited by a native-speaking journalist.”

Photo = Yonhap News, MHN DB