The 18th Doosan Matchplay of the 2026 Korean Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour delivered a week of high-stakes drama, unexpected comebacks, and a new champion crowned in Chuncheon, Gangwon-do. From May 13 to May 17, the Ladena Golf Club’s Nature-Garden Course played host to 64 of Korea’s top female golfers, all vying for a share of the 1 billion Korean won prize pool and the coveted two-year KLPGA Tour card for 2027-2028. The par-72 course, stretching 6,503 yards—up from 6,384 yards in 2025—challenged the field with its slick bentgrass greens and strategic layout, demanding precision and mental fortitude from every competitor.
Among the star-studded roster, the absence of big names like Lee Da-yeon, Park Ji-young, and Kim Soo-ji was felt, but the tournament hardly lacked for storylines. Defending champion Lee Ye-won returned to defend her title, while past winners such as Park Hyun-kyung (2024), Sung Yu-jin (2023), Hong Jung-min (2022), Park Min-ji (2021), and Lee Jung-min (2010) ensured the field was as deep as it was competitive. Yet, as the rounds unfolded, it became clear this year would belong to a new face atop the leaderboard.
Bang Shin-sil, the 21-year-old powerhouse sponsored by KB Financial Group, emerged as the breakout star and ultimate champion. Nicknamed the ‘Queen of Long Drives,’ Bang showcased more than just power—her resilience and tactical acumen were on full display throughout the grueling seven-round matchplay format. She swept her group stage matches, notching wins over Kim Ji-soo, Moon Jung-min, and Kim Min-sol. In the round of 16, she faced a stern test against Shin Da-in, needing 20 holes to secure victory in a sudden-death playoff. Her momentum carried through the quarterfinals and semifinals, where she dispatched Seo Gyo-rim and Hong Jin-young2, respectively.
The final, held on May 17, pitted Bang against the tenacious Choi Eun-woo. The match became an instant classic, stretching to 19 holes and keeping fans on the edge of their seats. Bang staged a dramatic comeback in the extended playoff, ultimately clinching the title and the winner’s prize of 250 million Korean won. According to multiple outlets, "Bang Shin-sil delivered a stunning turnaround in the playoff to become the queen of the match," a sentiment echoed throughout the golf community.
Choi Eun-woo, for her part, played a superb tournament. Her path to the final was marked by gritty performances, including a dominant 6&5 win over Yu Seo-yeon2 in the round of 16 and a 5&3 victory against Noh Seung-hee in the quarterfinals. In the semifinals, she edged out Park Gyeol 2&1, setting the stage for the epic showdown against Bang Shin-sil. Though she ultimately finished runner-up, Choi’s consistency and poise did not go unnoticed by fans and fellow competitors alike.
The battle for third place saw Hong Jin-young2 defeat Park Gyeol by 1 up, capping off a strong week for both players. For Park Gyeol, the 30-year-old veteran and Doosan Construction Weave affiliate, this tournament marked a significant career milestone. Known as the ‘field doll’ for her striking presence, Park had not advanced past the group stage since 2016, with her best prior finish being a round of 16 appearance that year. Her journey to the semifinals this year was nothing short of remarkable, especially considering she had missed the cut in four consecutive events leading up to the Doosan Matchplay.
Park’s campaign included two crucial victories over last year’s top player Yu Hyun-jo during the group stage—once in regular play and again in a sudden-death playoff to break a 2-1 tie. She then dispatched Choi Ga-bin in the round of 16 and edged out Choi Ye-rim in the quarterfinals. Despite falling to Choi Eun-woo in the semifinals, Park’s performance was hailed as one of the tournament’s biggest surprises. "I just decided to let go of my expectations and play with a relaxed mindset this year," Park said after her run, reflecting on how the course’s shorter length and fast greens played to her strengths as a skilled putter.
Park Gyeol’s career longevity is impressive: she has maintained her KLPGA Tour card for 12 consecutive years since 2015, a feat matched by only a handful of active players. Her career earnings now stand at approximately 2.43 billion Korean won, placing her among the most successful players in tour history. "I want to keep my card for next year and continue playing for my fans. There were seasons when I almost lost my status, but luck and perseverance got me through. I believe this year’s semifinal run is a good omen," Park shared, beaming with hope for the future.
The event was not without its lighter moments. At the awards ceremony, Park Gyeol received the Best Dresser Award, a nod to her stylish presence on the course. The tournament also continued its tradition of special prizes, offering a BMW X3 M package for a hole-in-one at the 13th hole and a 5 million won reward for an albatross at the 6th. However, no player managed to claim either prize this year, and the search for a wire-to-wire or back-to-back champion continues, as the tournament’s history remains without a successful title defense or consecutive winner.
Course conditions played a pivotal role throughout the week. The bentgrass greens were trimmed to a slick 2.3-2.5 mm, making putting a true test of nerves and touch. The fairways and rough were set up to reward accuracy off the tee, while the layout’s subtle challenges forced players to think strategically on every shot. With no hole-in-ones recorded this year, the course proved a worthy adversary for even the most skilled competitors.
Looking back at recent editions, the Doosan Matchplay has consistently delivered compelling narratives. Lee Ye-won’s title defense fell short this year, while past champions like Park Hyun-kyung and Sung Yu-jin made their presence felt in the draw. The event’s unique matchplay format—featuring a group stage followed by knockout rounds—continues to set it apart as a fan favorite and a true test of head-to-head golf under pressure.
As the sun set over Chuncheon and the 2026 Doosan Matchplay came to a close, Bang Shin-sil stood atop the field as the newest queen of Korean matchplay golf. Her victory, forged in the crucible of sudden-death drama and relentless competition, will be remembered as one of the tournament’s most thrilling chapters. With a new champion crowned and fresh stories written, the KLPGA Tour’s only matchplay event once again proved why it holds a special place in the hearts of players and fans alike.