Who is Hyojin Yang? Everything about the South Korean amateur who took shock lead at Australian Open

Modified Nov 29, 2024 13:40 GMT

Hyojin Yangtakes lead at the Australian Open (image via instagram@hhhyojiin__ywp)

South Korean amateur Hyojin Yang carded a 2-under 71 at Kingston Heath to take a solo lead at the Australian Open. She finished with a 36-hole total of 9-under, holding a one-shot lead over Jiyai Shin and Justice Bosio.

Hyojin Yang is a 17-year-old amateur golfer sponsored by Daebo Group. She played for the national team earlier this year and is now aiming to win her first-ever professional title.

Yang is currently ranked 126th in the World Amateur Golf Rankings, with her best ranking being 27th. Over the past two years, she has had 16 top-10 finishes. Last year, she finished as a runner-up at the KLPGA Pharma research Rejuran Dream Tour Grand Final, Dolmen Cup Amateur Golf Championship, and KB Financial Group Cup.

So far, four South Korean golfers have won the Australian Open, and the 17-year-old is hoping to become the fifth.

"It’s my first time playing here so very happy. I’m nervous. It is fun but probably more nervous but we will enjoy it tomorrow," Yang said as per new.com.au.

Shin was the first South Korean to win here and is once again in contention after 36 holes. Hannah Green is currently fourth in the leaderboard at 7-under, while Hanee Song, Stephanie Kyriacou, and Cassie Porter are tied for fifth at 4-under.