Rookie Award, Prize Money King, Enlisted in Military, Discharged in October Last Year
Consistent Physical Training, Gained 7kg for 'Power Up'
Preparing for Asian Tour in Thailand, Future Challenge on PGA Stage
Reserve officer Lee Soo-min said, "I plan to focus entirely on the Korean Tour this year," expressing his determination to "fulfill my role as the head of the family."
‘Reservist’ Lee Soo-min is spending a busy off-season. He left for Thailand last December and is working hard. Although he left early to participate in the Asian Tour Qualifying School preliminary rounds held in Thailand, he was invited to the final qualifying stage as a recommended player. This tournament will be held over five days from the 18th to the 22nd, consisting of 90 holes of stroke play. If he finishes within the top 35, he can earn an Asian Tour card for this year.
In an interview with Asia Economy on the 16th, Lee Soo-min expressed his determination, saying, "I will do my best to play well in the Asian Tour tournament."
Lee Soo-min has been an outstanding player since his days as a national team member. In 2013, as an amateur, he caused a sensation by winning the Korean Professional Golfers' Association (KPGA) Korean Tour Gunsan CC Open. Shortly after turning professional in 2015, he again claimed the title at the Gunsan CC Open, setting a milestone as the only player to win the same tournament both as an amateur and a professional. In 2016, he won the DP World Tour Shenzhen International as a recommended player, which led him to compete in Europe. Although he did not achieve notable results on the European stage, he made a spectacular comeback in October 2019 by winning the Choi Kyung-ju Invitational after four years. After securing his fourth career victory at the 2020 KPGA Open with Solago CC, he enlisted in the military in April 2021, stating, "I want to put golf aside for a while and find peace of mind."
He served as a social service agent in charge of reservists in Daegwallyeong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Province. Even during his military service, Lee Soo-min practiced diligently after work. On holidays, he honed his skills by playing rounds at nearby golf courses. Lee said, "I consistently trained my physical fitness during my military service," adding, "I focused on improving my short game and putting, which had declined." He also stated, "I gained about 7 kg compared to before enlistment and currently weigh 79 kg," expressing strong confidence by saying, "Although my competitive sense has declined, my shot sharpness, directionality, and stamina have greatly improved."
Lee Soo-min gained strength by watching the performances of players who returned to the field after completing their military service. Last year, Hwang Jung-gon (Asiad CC Busan Open) and Lee Hyung-jun (Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance Choi Kyung-ju Invitational), who returned after completing their military duties, collected championship trophies. Lee said, "I saw reservist players performing well," and added, "I thought the seniors did really well. I will prepare thoroughly as well."
In December last year, Lee Soo-min signed a contract with All That Sports. This sports marketing company represents figure skaters Yuna Kim and Shin Ji-a, short track speed skater Choi Min-jung, swimmers Hwang Sun-woo and Kim Seo-young, gymnast Yeo Seo-jeong, rock climbers Kim Ja-in and Seo Chae-hyun, and skeleton athlete Yun Sung-bin. He joined the same team as Im Sung-jae, who is active on the PGA Tour, along with Kim Sung-hyun, Bae Sang-moon, Hwang Jung-gon, Lee Won-jun, Shin Sang-hoon, Choi Jae-hoon, and Yang Hee-young. Lee said, "There are many excellent athletes at All That Sports, and I feel proud to be one of them," adding, "I will work hard to become a player comparable to the others."
Lee Soo-min is a pillar who will lead the Korean Tour this year. His powerful driver shots, averaging 300 yards, come from his solid physique of 180 cm and 75 kg. He has star quality, having won the Rookie of the Year award in 2015 and the Genesis Money List title in 2019. His celebratory roar after a great shot is also impressive. In 2020, after dating for three and a half years, he registered his marriage with Choi Ji-yeon, who is three years older. Lee said, "Since I got married and had a daughter, I feel a sense of responsibility as the head of the family." He emphasized, "This year, I plan to focus on the Korean Tour," adding, "I will put aside the pressure of the comeback season and work hard to win." He calmly stated, "If given the opportunity, I will also challenge myself to advance to the PGA Tour."
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