Lee Bo-mi ranked in Top 5 for 11 consecutive games

Having grabbed more than 200 million Japanese yen (approx. 1.96 million U.S. dollars) in the 2015 season for the first time in Japan’s golf history, Lee Bo-mi (aged 28, Honma Golf) is continuously setting up new records this year. She was consecutively ranked within Top 5 for 11 games and kissed the trophy.

At Earth Mondahmin Cup of the Japan LGPA Tour held in Camellia Hills (par 72) Country Club on Sunday, Lee finished 4th round five under at par 67 without a bogey. Having finished the game 20 under at par 268, Lee clinched the victory by five-shot lead to Bae Hee-kyung and went up the top for the second straight times.

Ranked 6th place at the season’s opening of Daikin Orchid Ladies Golf Tournament, Lee has been in the Top 5 for 11 consecutive games, writing a new chapter in the history of JLPGA. The previously-set record was made by Ahn Seon-ju 10 consecutive games between June and October in 2010. For the record of Top 10, Lee put her name on 15 consecutive games, including the last three games of last year. Given uncontrollable factors such as a golf course and weather, Lee’s achievement is quite unusual that cannot be made without keeping up stable pace and strict self management.

With the prize money of some 25.2 million yen (approx. 246,442 dollars) this time, Lee collected a total of 93.91 million yen (approx. 918,390 dollars) in the season, shoving away the previous front runner Shin Ji-ai.

“I will keep challenging to go to the Rio 2016 Olympics. Today’s victory made me cling to the hope. I’m planning to go for U.S. Women’s Open next month,” said Lee. Currently, Lee Bo-mi is ranked No. 7 in the world, following Park In-bee (3rd), Kim Se-yeong (5th), Jeon In-ji (6th), Yang Hee-yeong (8th), Jang Ha-na (9th) and Yoo So-yeon (11th).

Only the top four players from each country are entitled to attend the Olympics but Park In-bee and Jang Ha-na may not be able to go for the Olympics due to poor physical condition, meaning that Lee still has a chance.

김종석기자 kjs0123@donga.com