Sensational Shin Crowned Athena Champion at PK

2 Mar 2025

Media Release:

Claire Shin has been crowned the 2025 Athena champion at Peninsula Kingswood Country and Golf Club.

In one of the tightest finishes in Athena history, Shin claimed her second WPGA Tour of Australasia title in a putt-off against Steph Bunque.

The pair came through three four-hole matches to meet in the Final, where they finished locked together after four holes.

A playoff hole was also unable to determine a winner, Shin getting the better of Bunque in a putt-off to claim the $30,000 prize and $15,000 Drummond Golf scholarship.

“It’s been really fun today and this whole week has just been so enjoyable,” Shin said.

“There’s a lot of ups and downs and especially playing with Steph, I was really nervous about how I was going to go.

“But to me, it didn’t really matter if I was to win or not. I’m really proud of myself and proud of all the other girls who have done really great this week.”

Earlier in the day, following her Closest to the Pin win yesterday, Amy Chu was just a millimetre from a hole-in-one to go 1-under par on the third in the opening round.

There was a putt-off between Kono Matsumoto and Sarah Yamaki Branch in the opening round, with Matsumoto progressing through.

Yamaki Branch, Steffi Vogel, Ameila Mehmet Grohn and Danni Vasquez Boyd were all eliminated in the qualifying round, leaving Shin to face Matsumoto and Bunque to take on last year’s runner-up, Amy Chu, in the semi-final round.

In what was Shin’s best shot of the day, the 19-year-old holed a bunker shot on the third hole of match against Matsumoto, playing the four holes in even par to advance to the final.

With Shin’s last Athena tournament in the books, she reflected on what she’ll miss the most.

“I’m definitely going to miss spending the time with the girls,” she added.

“I know they’re all going to have another go to try and win the trophy and so I wish them all the best of luck.”

Her focus now shifts to this week’s 2025 Australian WPGA Championship which will take place at Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club from March 6-9 and is co-sanctioned with the Ladies European Tour.

And what does Shin plan to do with the money?

“I’ll definitely save it up for Epson Tour or give it to my parents for a nice holiday.”

In its fifth instalment, The Athena again proved to be a success in doing golf differently.

It provided great entertainment, whilst also showcasing the outstanding talent and skills of these up-and-coming female golfers.