[2020 New Start⑮] 'SKT Champ' Ham Jeong-woo "Get Sponsors, Aim for Grand Prize GO~"

2018 Myeongchulsang Alumni Rising Star's Hell Training in Thailand: "Last Year, 2nd in Prize Money, 3rd in Grand Prize, Now Seeking Redemption" Declaration

Ham Jung-woo will challenge for the Korean Tour Grand Prize this year.

[Asia Economy Kim Hyunjun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "Hunting two rabbits."

This is the new season goal of 'SK Telecom Open Champ' Ham Jungwoo (26, Hana Financial Group). Last year, he aimed to make up for finishing 2nd in the Korean Professional Golf (PGA) Korean Tour money ranking (400.92 million KRW) and 3rd in the Genesis Points (Grand Prize) ranking (3529 points). He was leading both the money and grand prize races but faltered in the last two tournaments, ending up without a title, which was especially disappointing. He confidently stated, "This year, I especially want to win the grand prize."

Ham Jungwoo is a next-generation prospect who served as a national representative for three years starting in 2013. After turning professional in 2016, he faced a thorny path, including failing the Korean Tour Qualifying (Q) School and failing to enter the Japan Golf Tour Organization (JGTO). However, in 2018, he showed consistency by entering the 'Top 10' three times in 13 tournaments and won the Rookie of the Year award. In May last year, he finally achieved his first victory at the SK Telecom Open.

His stamina was lacking with a tie for 48th at the Choi Kyung-Ju Invitational in October and a tie for 39th at the Genesis Championship. Ham Jungwoo himself analyzed, "The title competition, where you have to perform well in every game, was definitely a big burden." This is why he flew straight to Chiang Mai, Thailand, in January to undergo grueling training. He boasted, "Focusing on lower body training, my drive shot distance increased by 15 to 20 yards," and "my short game has also become sharper."

While moving between the JGTO Ameba TV (2nd division) Tour, he secured two wins and even secured a 2020 season card. Recently, with the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), both the Korean Tour and JGTO have been completely suspended, causing frustration. Ham Jungwoo said, "I am maintaining top condition enough to resume the season immediately," but added, "Since entering Japan is not easy, JGTO activities will be difficult," and expressed his determination, "I will focus all my efforts on the domestic stage for the time being."

In March, he gained a strong supporter by signing a sponsorship contract with Hana Financial Group. "It gave me a sense of responsibility and motivation to work harder," he said. The Korean Tour will start on the 2nd of next month at the Busan Gyeongnam Open held at Aramir Golf Course in Changwon, Gyeongnam. This is why Ham Jungwoo is hastening to sharpen his practical shot sense. He added his grand ambition, "Someday, I want to play in the world league and become a long-run player."