Following a strong performance, Kang looks ahead to upcoming major championship
Category: Sports
Kang Min-ji secured her best finish of the season at the LPGA Meyer Classic, held on June 22, 2026, at the Blythefield Country Club in Belmont, Michigan. The South Korean golfer shot a remarkable six-under-par 66 in the final round, finishing with a total score of 14-under 274 to tie for fifth place.
This performance marks a notable improvement for Kang, surpassing her previous season-best finish of tied for ninth at the Riviera Maya Open in April. After a strong showing at the U.S. Women’s Open, where she finished tied for 19th, Kang expressed renewed confidence in her game. "I feel satisfied with my current performance and will prepare for the upcoming major event (KPMG Women’s PGA Championship) by practicing as I have been and checking my condition," she stated.
The tournament concluded with Japan's Yamashita Miyu claiming victory after defeating England's Lottie Woad in a playoff. Yamashita finished with a total score of 17-under 271, tying with Woad before securing the win with a birdie on the first hole of the playoff.
Kang Min-ji, who turned professional in 2024 after competing on the Epson Tour, has shown remarkable improvement this season. Her previous struggles included finishing 137th in the money rankings during her debut LPGA season, which led her to return to the Epson Tour in 2025. This year, she made a successful comeback to the LPGA Tour, achieving her first top-10 finish last month.
The Meyer Classic, with a total prize purse of $3.25 million, attracted top talent from around the world, making Kang’s achievement even more impressive. The tournament featured a challenging layout, and Kang's performance demonstrated her resilience and skill.
The final day of the tournament saw Kang start with a bogey on the first hole, but she quickly rebounded, scoring five birdies and an eagle, particularly excelling on the back nine. Her ability to maintain composure under pressure was evident as she navigated the course effectively.
Following her successful outing at the Meyer Classic, Kang is set to participate in the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, a major tournament that will test her skills against the best in the game. This upcoming event is anticipated to be a key opportunity for Kang to build on her recent momentum.
Meanwhile, Yamashita's victory at the Meyer Classic marked her third win on the LPGA Tour. She expressed her excitement after the win, stating, "I felt really good this week, even though there was a gap between me and the leaders on the final day." This win is particularly meaningful as it follows her successful rookie season, where she also won the AIG Women’s Open.
In addition to Kang and Yamashita, other South Korean players also performed well. Lee So-mi finished tied for tenth with a score of 11-under 277, marking her fifth top-10 finish this season. Lim Jin-hee and Jeon In-ji both ended the tournament tied for 12th, each with a score of 10-under 278. Jeon, who started the final round tied for fourth, struggled to maintain her position, managing only an even-par score on the final day.
As the LPGA Tour progresses, players will be looking to capitalize on their performances at the Meyer Classic. With the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship on the horizon, anticipation builds for another exciting week of competitive golf.
The Meyer Classic showcased the talent of established players and highlighted the rising stars of women’s golf, with Kang Min-ji at the forefront of this new generation. Her determination and skill will be closely watched as she continues her pursuit of excellence on the LPGA Tour.