By Kent Gray
Reigning Women’s British Open champion In-Kyung Kim hasn’t played the Omega Dubai Ladies Classic (formerly Masters) since 2010 but it’s clear the absence has only made her love for the event grow fonder.
The 29-year-old has lent her fame to the PR bandwagon ahead of the Dec. 6-9 Ladies European Tour (LET) season-decider and was typically on point with all comments Dubai, Ladies Classic and Emirates Golf Club’s Majlis layout.
It’s hardly surprising, off course. “I.K.” Kim finished sixth in her last appearance in Dubai to seal the LET Rookie-of-the-Year title in 2010 and the year before than signed for a closing 68 to hold off fast-finishing Michelle Wie, who fired a 63, for the third of her now four LET titles.
“I have so many memories of Dubai that stand out and look forward to having another fun week,” the 2009 champion said. “I really like playing the Majlis course. They have some good holes, dogleg left and right, and you have to kind of pick the right target to hit the fairway. So, it’s cool to come and play in Dubai.
“They have a great field each year and that makes things interesting. Hopefully, I will be in good form during the week.”
Never mind one week, Kim has been is rich form all year. Before finally capturing her first major title at Kingsbarns in Scotland in August, the 5ft 3in South Korean won her fifth and sixth LPGA Tour titles at the ShopRite LPGA Classic (-11) and Marathon Classic (-21) in June and July respectively.
She’s keen to cap her first multi-win year in style but will have her work cut out in a field that includes newly crowned Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Open champion Aditi Ashok, Georgia Hall, Brittany Lincicome, Suzann Pettersen and Dame Laura Davies.
Related: Ashok four putts penultimate hole but hangs on for third LET title
Kim is certainly battled hardened, not allowing the missed 14-inch putt on the 72nd green that cost her the 2012 Kraft Nabisco Championship (now the ANA Inspiration) define her career.
“Having fun out there is important to me and that’s what I tried to do. I have learnt to give every effort to every shot. A three-foot putt is just as important as any shot, and that’s what I learned from that mistake,” she was quoted as saying after Ricoh Women’s British Open victory in August.
Related: In-Kyung Kim gets her major redemption with two-shot Women’s British Open victory
“We look forward to welcoming our former champion, said Peter Dawson, chairman of Golf in Dubai, the promoters and organisers of the event.
“Kim is a great talent and it will be a treat to watch her graceful swing. With her victory in 2009 and a top-six a year later, she has won many friends in Dubai and I think they will turn up in large numbers to cheer her on.
“I have great respect for South Korean golfers. They put everything they have into achieving their goals: no half measures. That’s why they are so driven and motivated. I wish Kim the very best and hope she has a wonderful outing in Dubai.”
Entry to the tournament is free but fans must register for tickets online at omegadubailadiesclassic.com.
