[2021 New Start②] 'Korean Tour Eagle King' Lee Chang-woo "This Year, Targeting the Grand Prize GO~"

Choi Kyung-Joo Invitational Victory Revival Mode, Married Former Player and Caddie Yeo Chae-Hyun at Year-End "Now Complete"

Lee Chang-woo challenges to become the 'Number 1' in the 2021 Korean Tour.

[Asia Economy Kim Hyunjun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "This year's goal is the Player of the Year award."

Lee Changwoo (28) is challenging to become the number 1 on the 2021 Korea Professional Golfers' Association (KPGA) Korean Tour. He has worn the Taegeuk mark since childhood and was recognized as a 'next-generation prospect' after winning the Heojeonggu Cup Korean Amateur Championship. As an amateur, he caused a sensation by winning the Dongbu Fire Insurance Pro-Am Open in September 2013. In October, he also earned a ticket to the next year's Masters, a major on the U.S. PGA Tour, awarded to the champion of the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship.

However, after turning professional in 2014, Lee Changwoo's presence diminished. He successfully made a smooth landing with two runner-up finishes in April 2016 at the Dongbu Fire Insurance Pro-Am Open and in November at the Tour Championship, but after slumps in 2017 and 2018, he eventually lost his tour card and faced a tough path on the second-tier tour in 2019. He reflected, "I lacked practice, and the expectations around me became a burden." Fortunately, he returned last year by finishing 14th in the Qualifying Tournament (QT).

Lee Chang-woo and caddie Yeo Chae-hyun, a former player who teamed up to win the Choi Kyung-ju Invitational last September, have completed their marriage registration at the end of the year and are now a married couple.

His girlfriend, Yeo Chaehyun, whom he met in 2019, has been a great help. She is a former player and a 'professional caddie' who collaborated on victories with Kim Woohyun (30, Bainer) in 2014, and Ko Seokwan (27) and Park Hyowon (34) in 2018. Lee Changwoo proudly said, "Whenever I wavered, she accompanied me to the practice range and helped me renew my determination." "Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have not held a wedding ceremony yet, but we completed our marriage registration right after the 2020 season," he added, "Now we are a proper married couple."

In fact, last year he participated in all 11 tournaments, showing great form with one win and four top-10 finishes. At the September Choi Kyungju Invitational, he tied with Kim Taehun (36) and Jeon Jaehan (31) at 3-under-par 285 after the final day, then sealed a spectacular victory with an 85-meter eagle shot on the 18th hole (par 5) during the fourth playoff hole resumed. It was his second career win after seven years. Currently ranked 4th in prize money (289.4 million KRW) and 4th in the Player of the Year standings (2707 points), expectations for the new season are high.

It is interesting that Lee Changwoo leads in eagles (6). He delivers powerful iron shots at crucial moments. "Right now, I have put down my golf clubs and am focusing on home training," he shared his recent status. "Once the weather improves, I plan to head south for practice rounds to fine-tune my competitive shot sense." He added confidently, "I will focus on improving my short game and gradually develop my golf step by step. I will show a changed Lee Changwoo."