Inbee Park during the AIG Women's Open 2020 at the Royal Troon in Scotland (Photo Andrew Redington / R & A / via Getty Images)

Four days before the start of the fifth and final Major of the August 19-22 season in Carnoustie, Scotland, Asia's top players, including Major winners Sei Young Kim, So Yeon Ryu and Jeongeun Lee6, head to towards one of the biggest golf tests of the season with one goal in mind - to join Se Ri Pak on the Hall of Fame Champions' honor roll.

Widely regarded as a true trailblazer in the game, Pak was the first Korean female golfer to make an impact on the LPGA Tour, winning 25 titles including five major championships, before retiring in 2016 after a record-breaking 18-year career.

Coming back from four strokes behind in the final round of the 2001 Championship, Pak posted a sensational 66 to win with two strokes on a world-class pitch in Sunningdale and start a legacy that saw fellow countrymen Jeong Jang (2005), Jiyai Shin (2008, 2012), Inbee Park (2015) and IK Kim (2017) in his footsteps claim the prestigious title.

While Jang, Shin and Kim will not take part in this year's AIG Women's Open, ex-world No.1 Inbee Park, seven-time Major winner, heads to Carnoustie, one of the big favorites after winning his 21st LPGA title earlier this season. She is currently number three in the Rolex Women's Golf World Rankings.

Returning to the AIG Women's Open, where she recorded six top ten in 13 appearances, Park said: “I have fond memories of the AIG Women's Open and I remember being very happy with my second round 64 at Carnoustie in 2011 You never really know what conditions you'll be playing this links under, but you just have to play your game and accept all the bounces you get there.

Historic champions

Outside of South Korea, Ariya Jutanugarn of Thailand and Hinako Shibuno of Japan join the list of Asian stars who have enjoyed success at the AIG Women's Open since Pak's memorable victory, while Filipino star Yuka Saso arrives in Scotland after winning his first major championship. to win.

At just 19, Saso had one of the performances of the year with a victory at the 2021 US Women's Open and will make her debut at the AIG Women's Open.

Widely known for modeling her swing on 2014 champion golfer Rory McIlroy, Saso got a dream encounter with her idol after the victory and the opportunity to seek more advice from the Northern Irishman, who won the silver medal at the Carnoustie Open in 2007 as the first amateur.

Saso, said: “I've heard a lot about the AIG Women's Open, it's such a mythical championship and I admire its many former champions. This is my first trip to Scotland so I am delighted to play on an incredible course like Carnoustie.

Saso and Park are joined on the pitch by major Asian champions including: In Gee Chun, Eun Hee Ji, Alim Kim, Jeongeun Lee6, Sung Hyun Park, So Yeon Ryu, Hinako Shibuno, Patty Tavatanakit and Sei Young Kim.

The full list of exemptions for the AIG Women's Open and AIG Women's Open final qualifiers can be found at aigwomensopen.com.

Pratical information

The AIG Women's Open will take place from August 16 to 22, 2021 in Carnoustie, the ticket office is open for sale via aigwomensopen.com. The tournament will follow government guidelines for spectator attendance.

Adult tickets are from £ 25 with children aged 16 or younger before the Championship are admitted free. Spectators aged 24 and under will be able to purchase youth tickets (16-24) from £ 12,50. A Mastercard discount of £ 5 is available per transaction.

More information on aigwomensopen.com