In her fifth LPGA Tour appearance, Hee Jeong Lim entered the final round of the BMW Ladies Championship with a four-stroke lead, setting the event’s 54-hole record just the afternoon before. But right on her heels was projected World No. 1, Jin Young Ko, and despite an outstanding bogey-free 72-hole performance, Lim parred her extra hole in the playoff against Ko, leading to her third runner-up finish of 2021.
“I don't think my ball striking was to the place where I wanted it to be. But this was an event that I really wanted to win, so I really practiced hard with this event in mind. And I think overall my putting didn't really go well either,” said Lim, who had the opportunity to accept LPGA Tour Membership had she won at LPGA International Busan. “I think there was also that pressure having -- being in the lead as well. So I think there wasn't much I could do, and I guess losing by a birdie in the playoff.”
Lim, who only missed two fairways in play the entire week, said she wants to get over the playoff loss as quickly as possible to reset before the remaining events on the KLPGA schedule. Lim had previously stated that Ko was a role model to her, and after the tournament Ko said she was impressed with Lim’s ability while playing alongside her in the final grouping.
“I actually thought I could learn a lot from her, and I did. I knew that she did three bogey-free rounds, and so I knew she was giving a really solid performance. So I was nervous starting the event today. And I really wished her well because I knew that she wanted to come to States, and I hope to see her on the LPGA Tour as well,” said Ko. “Of course, as we know, luck was a little bit more on my side today. So I felt sort of bad after we were done. But I think just seeing her up and close, she's in great form, from driver to putting to her swing.
“So I think that she is a really strong player. And she could actually join the Tour right now and she would be able to compete I think, and I hope to see more players like her join us on the LPGA Tour.”
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