[Field Story] Remembering Byeon Hyun-min Who 'Worked Too Hard'

Struggling Family Situation 'Mom Caddy'
'Practice Bug' Pro Achieves 2 Wins
Scholarship and Talent Donation 'Eternal Angel'

A sad news has been delivered in the domestic golf world. Byeon Hyun-min, born in February 1990, passed away on the 29th of last month. At the age of 34, he lived a life that was far too short. After undergoing brain tumor surgery last year, he contracted meningitis, and this year, after losing his eyesight and suffering from severe headaches, he ultimately became a "star in the sky."

Byun Hyun-min is seen smiling brightly while teeing off at a KLPGA Tour event.

Kim Ha-neul, who played during the same period, was deeply shocked. Her heart was so heavy that she could not sleep. Players on the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour wore black ribbons and played in memory of Byeon Hyun-min during the first round of the Kyochon 1991 Ladies Open on the 3rd.

He was from Uijeongbu. A champion with two wins on the KLPGA Tour. A golfer who overcame difficult adversity. He picked up a golf club in the third grade of elementary school. Due to financial difficulties at home, playing golf was not easy. During his junior years, he even entered tournaments without being able to practice rounds. When he was in the second year of middle school, his father, who was running a business, passed away from cirrhosis, and he was in a situation where he had to give up golf. With the help of his mother, Kim Geum-sil, he continued playing golf. He was famous as a "mom caddie." Since joining the regular tour in 2010, his mother had always carried his caddie bag. It was a way to save on caddie fees.

He was not exceptionally talented. He first recorded a score in the 70s in his first year of high school. So, the method he chose was training. He was called a "practice bug." He became a full member in his third year of high school and joined the KLPGA Tour in 2010, three years later. In July 2011, he won his first title after a playoff at the KLPGA SBS Tour Hidden Valley Ladies Open. It was an incredible upset at a time when he had never even entered the "top 10."

In June 2013, he earned his second win at the S-OIL Champions Invitational. After the "surprise victory," he had no notable results for a while, causing concern, but then he showed he was still strong. He shared a story about not changing the clothes he wore in the second round when he played the final third round to win. He was a devoted son. He gave all his prize money to his mother. After winning, he became even more humble. He called even junior staff to express his gratitude. He worked hard at sponsor events as if they were his own business.

He was so cheerful that there was no player on tour who disliked him. But he also faced trials. In 2018, he lost his regular tour card. He gave up his attachment to golf and announced his retirement the following year. In an interview at the time, he said, "I am tired of fierce competition. I want to do what I like."

After his father passed away first, he effectively took on the role of head of the family. He saw his older sister married off and lived with his mother. He did not make enemies around him. He was a player with good character. Despite difficult circumstances, he donated scholarships and talents for juniors. Byeon Hyun-min said goodbye early. However, his bright smiling face will remain forever in our hearts. May his afterlife be filled only with joy, free from pain...