[New Challenge] Field Returnee Changwoo Lee "Now a Hardworking Genius"

Discharged in June Last Year, Korean Tour Comeback This Year
Married to Former Player Caddie Yeo Chaehyun, Had a Son Last Year
Gained 8kg in Strength Training, Increased Driving Distance by 10m
"Will Show Victory and Growth as a Family Head"

"I have to take the lead."

This is the determination of Lee Chang-woo, who has returned to the field after two years. He enlisted in December 2021 and was discharged last June, and he is making a comeback to the 2024 Korea Professional Golfers' Association (KPGA) Korean Tour. Training in Thailand, Lee Chang-woo told Asia Economy on the 28th, "Having been away from the tour for two years, I really missed the field," adding, "Although there is pressure as it is my comeback season, I will do my best to win."

Lee Chang-woo, who completed his military service last year, said, "I missed the field so much. I will achieve the best results this year."

Lee Chang-woo was a player who shone brightly since his amateur days. He attracted attention as a 'next-generation prospect' by winning the Heo Jeong-gu Cup Korean Amateur Championship. As an amateur, he claimed the top spot at the Korean Tour Dongbu Insurance Promy Open in September 2013. In October of the same year, he also won the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship, earning a Masters ticket for the following year’s PGA Tour 'Masters Tournament'.

Lee Chang-woo’s golf career progressed smoothly. He debuted on the Korean Tour in 2015, showing consistency by advancing to the final rounds in 10 out of 11 tournaments. He also demonstrated his skill by finishing in the 'Top 10' five times. In 2016, he received the 'Deokchun Award' for the lowest score average. Although he did not win, he made the cut in every tournament he entered. Finishing second in the Genesis Points, he heralded the 'Lee Chang-woo era'.

However, he fell into a severe slump in 2017 and 2018. Losing his tour card, he faced a tough path on the Srixon (second-tier) Tour in 2019. Criticism poured in, labeling him a 'lazy genius.' Lee Chang-woo reflected, "I lacked practice, and the expectations around me became a burden." Fortunately, he returned to the regular tour in 2020 by finishing 14th in the Qualifying Tournament (QT).

Lee Chang-woo and his wife Yeo Chae-hyun are smiling after jointly winning the 2021 Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance Choi Kyung-ju Invitational.

His girlfriend, Yeo Chae-hyun, whom he met in 2019, was a great help. She is a former Korean Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour player and a 'professional caddie' who shared victories with Kim Woo-hyun in 2014, and Ko Seok-wan and Park Hyo-won in 2018. The two are now married, having registered their marriage right after the 2020 season. Lee Chang-woo expressed his gratitude, saying, "She has always been by my side. She gave me great strength whenever I wavered."

In September 2021, at the Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance Choi Kyung-ju Invitational held at Ferrum Club, Lee Chang-woo made a breakthrough. After tying with Kim Tae-hoon and Jeon Jae-han on the final day, he made an '85m winning eagle shot' on the fourth hole of the playoff at the 18th hole (par 5). It was his first win as a professional. Lee Chang-woo entered military service while cherishing the joy of victory. "I served as a gunner in the 5th Artillery Brigade," he said. Even after becoming a civilian last June, he worked hard, focusing on improving flexibility and core strength.

He became a father last August. The responsibility as a dad grew. He transformed into a 'hardworking genius,' focusing solely on training from morning till night. "I feel the weight of being the head of the family. I want to show better sides to my wife and son. I consistently did physical training and weight training during and after military service. I gained 8kg compared to before enlistment. My shot distance also increased by 10 meters."

Lee Chang-woo met a benefactor, Ko Moon-sung, the representative of Ferrum Club. His wife knew Ko first. He said, "He is like a foster father and son to me," expressing gratitude, "He supported me with daily rounds and opened the practice range for me." Lee Chang-woo has a special connection with Ferrum Club, where Ko is the representative. He recorded a victory that washed away his slump there, and Ko even named his son Lee Seo-yeon. "He is truly a grateful person. I think I will never forget him for life," he said.

Lee Chang-woo is focusing on increasing his driving distance during training camp in Thailand.

Lee Chang-woo left for training in Thailand on December 25 last year. He is focusing on short game training, including putting and wedge shots. He is also concentrating on regaining his competitive edge through practice rounds. He will return on February 25. Lee Chang-woo will participate in the Asian Tour New Zealand Open held on February 29 as a recommended player. "I am preparing for the tour with the mindset of starting anew. I will show you a more developed Lee Chang-woo."