Eagle on 4th Extra Hole with 85m Winning Shot, Cheers After 7 Years Since Korean Tour Debut
Lee Chang-woo is cheering after making the 'winning eagle' on the 4th extra hole resumed at the 18th hole on the final day of the Choi Kyung-ju Invitational. Photo by KPGA
[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] "It couldn't be more dramatic."
This is the golf life story of Lee Chang-woo (27, Srixon). A former national team member, he shone brightly during his amateur days. He was called a 'golf genius' after achieving impressive results such as winning the Heo Jeong-gu Cup Korean Amateur Championship. In 2013, while still an amateur, he gained attention by winning the KPGA Korean Tour Dongbu Fire Pro-Am Open, and that same year he topped the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship, which led to his appearance at the 'dream stage' Masters the following year.
He turned professional in 2014 and was expected to make a splash. However, he failed to produce notable results on the Korean Tour. His best achievements were two runner-up finishes in 2016. That year, he ranked first in average score, second in the overall points, and sixth in prize money, but he lost his first division tour card after the 2018 season. Last year, he dropped to the second division but rejoined the main tour by finishing tied for 14th in the qualifying tournament. This year, he participated in seven tournaments and entered the top 10 three times, signaling a comeback.
On the 27th, at the Ferrum Golf Club in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province (par 72, 7,235 yards), during the final day of the Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance Choi Kyung-ju Invitational (total prize money 1 billion KRW), Lee Chang-woo reduced his score by one stroke to tie with Jeon Jae-han (30) and Kim Tae-hoon (35) at 3-under-par 285. Then, on the 18th hole (par 5) during the fourth hole of the playoff, he made an '85m winning eagle shot.' This marked his second career win in seven years since his Korean Tour debut, with a winner's prize of 200 million KRW. He instantly rose to second place in the overall points (2,482 points) and second in prize money (273.86 million KRW).
"I am really happy to achieve my first professional win," said Lee Chang-woo. "In the latter half, I was so focused on the game that I didn't even look at the score," he added, cheering, "This victory proves that 'Lee Chang-woo is back'." His girlfriend, Yeo Chae-yeon, a former player, served as his caddie and shared the victory. She has caddied for winners Kim Woo-hyun (29), Park Hyo-won (33), and Ko Seok-wan (Canada). His future goal is to compete in the Masters. "I want to play in the Masters as a professional," he said.
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