SEOUL (Reuters) - World number nine Park Sung-hyun, the leading money winner on this season's KLPGA Tour, announced on Monday she is leaving the Korean circuit and will play on the U.S. women's tour next season.
Park's departure comes as another blow to the domestic tour, which has been boosting prize money and adding tournaments to its schedule in a bid to keep top players.
The 23-year-old has amassed more than $1.1 million in prize money from Korea alone this season, and finished in the top 10 at three of the five women's global major championships.
The long hitter is considered the brightest talent to emerge from Korea in years and, if she can improve her putting, has the potential to reach world number one.