[2021 Newstart⑧] 'Late Bloomer Golfer' Jeong Ji-yu "I Have to Work Harder Because I'm Late"

Started Golf at 18, Ranked 6th in Dream Tour Earnings, Joined 1st Division, Strength in Consistency "As Long as There Is a Dream, There Is a Chance"

'Late bloomer golfer' Jeong Ji-yu is determined to "enjoy the tour more since I started golf at 18."

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] "For an unwavering passion for golf."

This is the ambition of Jeong Ji-yu (25, Hana Financial Group), a rookie on the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour. She joined in August 2015 and finally secured a 2021 first division tour card by ranking 6th in the Dream Tour prize money rankings last year (56.29 million KRW). "Last year was a satisfying year as I won on the Dream Tour and secured a regular tour card," said Jeong Ji-yu, adding, "My goal is to maintain the card for now," and expressed her determination to "play consistently."

Jeong Ji-yu is a so-called ‘late bloomer’ golfer. She started golf at the somewhat late age of 18 upon her parents' recommendation. Two years later, in 2015, she became a full member through the 12th Jump Tour event. "I was so happy the moment I stepped on the grass at the golf course," she explained, "Since I started later than others, I never neglected practice." From 2016, she honed her skills on the Dream Tour. In November 2019, she placed 50th in the qualifying tournament, earning the right to participate in some first division tour events.

Last June, she showed potential by finishing runner-up in the 6th and 7th rounds of the Muan CC & All For You Dream Tour. The highlight was the 9th round of the Dream Tour at West Ocean CC in July. She shot 5-under par on the first day, and 3-under par on both the second and third days, tying with Lee Sola (31) at 11-under par 205. Then, on the 18th hole (par 4) in the third playoff hole, she made a precious ‘winning birdie.’ "I lost in a playoff in 2019," she recalled, "but I was able to focus solely on my play and win."

Consistency is her strength. Last year, she ranked 19th in average score on the Dream Tour (70.63), 14th in average putts (30.21), 42nd in greens in regulation (78.17%), and 6th in top 10 finish rate (36.84%). Recognizing her growth potential, she signed a main sponsorship contract with Hana Financial Group. She also wears Master Bunny Edition apparel from Chris F&C. She is now prepared for a stable tour life. Although she played in four first division tour events last year, she felt the high level of competition.

She realized the physical challenges. That is why she focused on physical training last winter. Her role model is the ‘living legend’ Park Se-ri (44, retired), who won 25 times on the LPGA Tour. Park inspired the nation through sports during difficult times. "As long as there is a dream, there is a chance," she emphasized, "I want to achieve results, but it is more important that my passion for golf has not changed," reaffirming her original intention.