2026 KLPGA Season Preview: Rising Stars vs. Veteran Powerhouses in the Year of the Red Horse

Photo courtesy of KLPGA

As the Year of the Red Horse gallops in, KLPGA Tour players born in the Year of the Horse are gearing up for an extraordinary season. From promising rookies born in 2002 to seasoned veterans from 1990, we caught up with these equine-year athletes to discuss their reflections on last season and their preparations for the upcoming 2026 campaign.

▲ 2002-Born Stars: Go Ji-woo, Kim Min-ju, and Lee Yul-rin Make Their Mark
The 2002-born players are emerging as the next generation of KLPGA Tour leaders, with each clinching victories last season. Go Ji-woo (24, Samchully), who notched her third career win, along with first-time champions Kim Min-ju (24, Samchully) and Lee Yul-rin (24, Doosan Construction), are leading the charge.

Go Ji-woo, who finished an impressive 15th in the 2025 season money list, etched her name in the record books at the McCall Mon A Yongpyong Open with SBS Golf. There, she set a new KLPGA Tour 36-hole scoring record of 126, securing her third career victory. Reflecting on her season, Go said, “I feel like I’m growing each year, and 2025 was no exception.” While disappointed that injuries derailed her strong start, she gained confidence from noticeable improvements in course management and driving distance.

Now training in Dubai, Go is focused on the long game. “Rather than fixating on short-term results, I’m working on developing a swing and mental game that will sustain a long career,” she explained. “In this Year of the Red Horse, I aim to maintain my rhythm with a stronger mindset throughout the season. My goal is to consistently contend at the top and add more wins to my tally.”

Kim Min-ju, who finished 20th on the money list, burst onto the scene with her maiden victory at the iM Financial Open 2025. “My ball-striking was on point in the first half, but fatigue set in later in the season,” Kim recalled. “Still, I’m incredibly grateful to have achieved my primary goal of securing that first win.”

Kim’s offseason focus has been on solidifying her swing to maintain consistency throughout the year. “My targets for this season are three wins and a top-five finish in a major,” she declared. “With the energy of the Red Horse year behind me, I’m determined to showcase an even more passionate and impressive performance.”

Lee Yul-rin’s breakthrough came in dramatic fashion, clinching victory in a five-hole playoff at the Sangsangin-Hankyung Wownet Open 2025. “That win felt surreal, and I’m proud of how I persevered,” Lee reflected. “I struggled with accuracy early on, but by staying patient and believing in myself, I was able to overcome those challenges.”

Lee has dedicated her offseason to honing her iron play and putting. “This year, my primary focus is improving my greens in regulation percentage to deliver more consistent performances,” she stated. “I’m also setting my sights on multiple wins. With this being my zodiac year, I’m extra motivated. I’m committed to delivering my best golf to repay the support from the fans.”

Photo courtesy of KLPGA

▲ Veteran Prowess: 1990-Born Ahn Song-yi and Park Joo-young Set to Shine
The 1990-born players are also generating buzz. Ahn Song-yi (36, KB Financial Group), who set records for most appearances and cuts made last season, and Park Joo-young (36, Dongbu Construction), who notched three runner-up finishes, are poised for big things.

Ahn Song-yi is on the brink of KLPGA Tour history in 2026. With 389 tournament appearances under her belt, she needs just 11 more to become the first player to reach the 400-tournament milestone. Additionally, making the cut in nine events would see her become the first to qualify for 300 tournaments. “While I feel the weight of these potential records, my priority is leveraging my experience to deliver consistently solid performances,” Ahn said. “I’ll approach the 2026 season with the same diligence and determination that’s defined my career. I’m grateful for the continued support from the fans.”

After three near-misses last season, Park Joo-young has her sights set on returning to the winner’s circle in 2026. “My iron play was strong last year, but those missed 3-5 meter putts kept victory just out of reach,” Park reflected. “That’s been my focus this offseason.” Despite limited practice time, Park is maximizing a two-week training camp to sharpen her competitive edge. “I’m targeting at least one win this season,” she stated. “I’m acutely aware that I have fewer playing days ahead than behind me. That’s why I’m determined to make every round count, competing with a smile and leaving nothing on the table.”

The spotlight also shines on other Horse-year talents, including Moon Jeong-min (24, Dongbu Construction), Choi Ga-bin (23, Samchully), Song Eun-ah (24, Daebo Construction), Yoo Ji-na (24, Shinhan Bank), Hong Ye-eun (24, Mediheal), Jung So-i (24, Yellow Chicken), and Hong Hyun-ji (24). Golf enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating their performances as they harness the energy of the Red Horse year on the 2026 KLPGA Tour.

[Sports Today Reporter Lee Sang-pil sports@stoo.com ]