Jung Yujun Surprises as Leader... Hidden Long Hitter Who Advanced Through Qualifiers

6-Under-Par Surge in the First Round of the Kolon Korea Open
Personal Lowest Score Since Turning Pro in 2023
Tied for Career-Best 14th, Jung Yujun Poised for a Breakout

Jung Yujun created a sensation as an underdog.

On May 22, at the La Vie Est Belle Country Club Dunes Course (par 71, 7,399 yards) in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, he shot a 6-under-par 65 in the first round of the 67th Kolon Korea Open, claiming the top spot on the leaderboard. This is his lowest score since turning professional. Starting from the 10th hole (par 4), Jung Yujun made a birdie on his very first hole, followed by birdies on the 13th (par 5) and 17th (par 3) holes, and added another birdie on the 1st hole (par 4). He surged into the lead with consecutive birdies on the 5th and 6th holes.

Yujin Jung is teeing off in the first round of the Kolon Korea Open. Kolon Korea Open Organizing Committee

Jung Yujun is in his third year on the Korea Professional Golfers' Association (KPGA) Tour. He has never finished in the top 10 before, making his name unfamiliar to fans. His best personal result was a tie for 14th at the 2023 Bizplay Electronic Times Open. After losing his tour card, he returned this year, but in the four tournaments prior to this event, he made the cut only twice, with his best finish being 14th at the KPGA Classic.

During his amateur days, Jung Yujun was never selected for the Korea Golf Association’s reserve team or the national team. He earned his spot in this tournament by going through the qualifying rounds. Out of 38 players who advanced from the qualifiers, he secured his place by finishing 32nd. Jung Yujun said, "I was satisfied with every shot. My tee shots have been shaky lately, but they were good today," adding, "I haven't been able to post good results because of my putting, but today my putting was really good."

Jung Yujun is considered one of the longest hitters on the KPGA Tour. He currently ranks third in driving distance, averaging 308.95 yards. When he puts his mind to it, he can hit it 330 yards. He said, "I've always been a long hitter, and my distance keeps increasing," and added, "There’s no special secret. I just focus on my rotation." Jung Yujun emphasized, "It's only the end of the first round. I’ll play with the same mindset for the remaining three days," and pledged, "It’s important to keep my tee shots on the fairway and to place my approach shots in spots that make putting easier."