YANGJU, South Korea — Lee Yul-lin, a third-year player on the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour, has rocketed into contention for her maiden professional victory after a sensational, course-record-breaking performance at the Sangsangin • Hankyung Wow-Net Open. The dramatic third round has set the stage for a compelling final day, with the $216,000 winner's prize and, more importantly, a coveted tour exemption hanging in the balance.

Lee, who has earned a reputation as a 'Qualifying School specialist,' lit up the par-72 Lake Course at Lakewood Country Club on Friday, carding a bogey-free 9-under 63. This stellar round eclipsed the previous course record of 7-under 65, jointly held by Jang Ha-na, Choi Eun-woo, and most recently, Park Bo-kyeom from the first round of this tournament.

The breathtaking score, one stroke shy of her all-time personal best of 10-under, brought Lee's three-round total to 11-under 205, securing the outright lead as she concluded her round. Though Jung Yoon-ji remained in hot pursuit at 10-under with play still underway, Lee's momentum is undeniable.

Speaking to the Hankook Kyungje Shinmun immediately after her round, a visibly stunned Lee struggled to contain her excitement. "I got off to a great start with a lot of birdies early on," she said, her voice trembling. "I was worried about the tough holes on the back nine, but I managed to navigate them well and finish strong." Upon hearing that she had broken the course record, she was genuinely surprised. "I didn't know it was the course record, so I'm incredibly happy. The remaining tournaments are so important to me, and it means a lot to set a new record here."

The 25-year-old’s journey on the KLPGA Tour has been marked by tenacity and a frequent, high-stakes relationship with the annual Q-School. Despite securing a spot on the main tour for three consecutive seasons, her year-end ranking has repeatedly forced her back to the grueling qualifying rounds. After her debut season saw her finish 93rd on the money list, she secured her card for the following year by finishing 2nd at Q-School. Last year, she topped the Q-School leader board as the medalist after finishing 64th in the season-long money race.

Currently sitting at 74th on the 2024 money list, Lee is once again flirting with the necessity of returning to Q-School. Under KLPGA regulations, only the top 60 players on the money list at the end of the season-closing S-OIL Championship are guaranteed a card for the next year. A victory, however, offers a complete two-year exemption, instantly bypassing the stress of qualification.

Lee’s best career finish to date is a runner-up spot at the Dukshin EPC • Seoul Economic Daily Ladies Classic last October. A win this week would not only deliver a dream first victory but also the precious two-year tour exemption—the ultimate 'two birds with one stone' scenario.

Reflecting on the final round, where she expects to play in the challenging 'champion group' for the first time in her career, Lee remains confident. "While I haven't been in the final champion grouping before, I have experience playing alongside many famous players, so I will compete with confidence," she affirmed. "I trust my skills and will do my best, believing it will lead to a good result." The question she posed, brimming with hope and relief, encapsulates the high stakes of Sunday: “If I win, I won’t have to go to Q-School, right?”

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