‘Reservist’ Lee Hyung-jun “Choi Kyung-ju Invitational gulp”…‘Cheers for 6 career wins’

Lee Hyeongjun and Lee Dongmin Defeat on Second Extra Hole, Winning '250 Million Won Jackpot'
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Lee Hyung-jun is teeing off on the 5th hole on the final day of the Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance Choi Kyung-ju Invitational. Photo by KPGA

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] 'Veteran' Lee Hyung-jun (30) won his first title in 3 years and 4 months.

On the final day of the KPGA Korean Tour Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance Choi Kyung-ju Invitational (total prize money 1.25 billion KRW) held on the Dongseo Course of Ferrum Club in Yeoju, Gyeonggi-do on the 2nd, Lee Hyung-jun shot 4-under par to tie with Lee Dong-min (37) at 10-under par 278. He then secured the victory with a winning par on the second hole of the playoff at the 18th hole (par 5). This marks his 6th career win, his first since the Descente Korea Munsingwear Match Play in June 2019, with a winner's prize of 250 million KRW.

Starting from a tie for 9th place, 2 strokes behind, Lee Hyung-jun made 5 birdies and 1 bogey. After birdies on the 1st and 5th holes, he took a brief breather with a bogey on the 7th hole (par 4), then made 'stepping stone birdies' on the 9th and 11th holes. He added a crucial birdie on the 16th hole (par 3) to push the match into a playoff, where Lee Dong-min collapsed with a double bogey on the second playoff hole, allowing Lee Hyung-jun to easily claim the winner's trophy.

"I returned last year after completing my military service, but I struggled with poor results and had a hard time mentally," said Lee Hyung-jun. "I think I prepared well without getting discouraged and was able to win. I'm very happy to win together with my wife, who helped me as my caddie," he exclaimed.

Jeon Sung-hyun (29) surged with a 6-under par round to jump to a tie for 3rd place (9-under par 279). Lee Jung-hwan (31) is also in this group. Heo In-hoe (35) and Han Seung-soo (USA) tied for 5th place (8-under par 280). 'Order of Merit leader' Seo Yo-seop (26) was cruising at 1-under through 16 holes but faltered with a double bogey on the 17th hole (par 4), finishing tied for 7th place (7-under par 281). Last week's DGB Financial Group Open winner Moon Do-yeop (31) struggled with a 2-over par round, finishing tied for 31st place (even par 288).