'Self-taught Golfer' Shin Kwangchol Claims Second Champions Tour Victory

Second Victory After Chammaroo Construction Senior Open
Self-taught Golfer Who Became a Pro at 31 After Working at a Golf Practice Range

'Self-taught golfer' Shin Kwangchol has claimed his second victory on the Korea Professional Golfers' Association (KPGA) Champions Tour.

On June 19, at the Gunsan Country Club's Jeonju·Iksan Course (par 72, 6,954 yards) in North Jeolla Province, Shin shot an impressive 8-under-par 64 in the final second round of the KPGA Legend Classic Series 3 (total prize money: 150 million won), securing a three-shot victory with a total of 12-under-par 132. This marks his second win just 20 days after claiming his first Champions Tour title at the Chammaroo Construction Senior Open on May 29. He received a winner's prize of 24 million won.

Shin Kwangchol is teeing off in the final second round of the KPGA Legend Classic Series 3. Photo by KPGA

After completing his military service, Shin worked at a golf practice range in Jeju Island, where he learned to play golf on his own by observing the swings of professionals and trainees. At the age of 31, he became a KPGA professional. He stated, "I practiced for 17 hours a day to achieve my goal of becoming a professional golfer." He joined the KPGA Champions Tour, which is open only to players aged 50 and above, after finishing first in the 2021 qualifying school.

He said, "I practice for three hours every morning. Constant practice led to this victory," adding, "My goal for this season is to consistently finish within the top five. Since luck like today cannot always be on my side, I will do my best in every tournament I participate in going forward." Lee Namyong and Choi Gwi-hyung finished tied for second place with a score of 9-under-par 135. The prestigious 29th KPGA Senior Championship will be held at Solago Country Club in Taean, South Chungcheong Province, over three days starting from July 2.