[Leaders on the Green] ① "The Answer to Golf Course Management Lies in the Field"... Lee Jungyun's 30-Year Management Philosophy

A Living Witness to Golf Course Management for 30 Years Since 1995
Inspecting the Course in a Straw Hat and on a Scooter
Holder of Large Vehicle License, Competition Instructor, and Course Superintendent Certificates

Being the head of a golf course is no easy task. It is even classified as a "3D industry" (difficult, dirty, and dangerous). However, there are executives who see a golf course not just as a business site, but as a true playground. Even in these challenging times, with the COVID-19 boom having ended and both heavy rains and heatwaves following, he finds hope within. This is the story of Lee Jungyun, CEO of Woojeong Hills Country Club.

Lee Jungyun is a living witness to the history of golf course management in Korea. He joined Kolon in 1985, starting his career in accounting, and since 1995, he has been actively involved in the operation of Woojeong Hills. This year marks his 30th year with Woojeong Hills, and when including his career at Kolon, he has been on this path for an impressive 40 years. He has become the most senior professional executive in the domestic golf course industry.

In an interview with Asia Economy on the 24th, he recalled, "The late Honorary Chairman Lee Dongchan once said, 'The era of professional golf course managers will come,' and assigned me to Woojeong Hills. Chairman Lee Woongyeol also gave me full authority over the operation of the golf course. It is by no means easy to hold a position for this long, but it is very rewarding."

Jungyun Lee, CEO of Woong Hills, is smiling while riding a motorbike. Chuncheon - Photo by Noh Urae

Lee is especially recognized as the person who elevated the "Kolon Korea Open" into a world-class tournament. Following the instructions of the late Honorary Chairman Lee, he transformed Woojeong Hills into a tournament-exclusive course, enhancing its level of challenge and creating greens that are firm and fast. Since its opening in 1993, Woojeong Hills has established itself as a prestigious course equipped with various infrastructure, including a practice range and a gallery stadium. He said, "I believe that the insight and investment of the Honorary Chairman, along with Woojeong Hills, were the reasons Korean men's golf was able to grow."

Currently, Lee is busier than ever. Since 2015, he has also overseen Laviebel Golf & Resort in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, personally managing the course conditions of both golf courses. Despite record-breaking heatwaves, both courses have maintained the best turf conditions and have received high praise from golfers.

He wears a straw hat every day and rides a scooter around the course. As a result, he has earned the nickname "Scooter Ajussi" (Scooter Man). If there is any issue with the turf, he takes immediate action on site, and customer satisfaction with the course is extremely high. Lee stated, "Providing the best course conditions and services is fundamental," and added, "I believe we receive good reviews because we also offer reasonable prices."

The players who have passed through Woojeong Hills are also noteworthy. Top domestic golfers such as Kim Kyungtae, Kang Sunghoon, Bae Sangmoon, Ham Junghwoo, Song Younghan, and Im Sungjae have trained here and nurtured their golf dreams. This year as well, the 26th Chungnam Governor's Cup Golf Tournament was held, supporting the development of local golf prospects. He promised, "In the United States, there are many TPC (Tournament Players Club) courses where players can train, but in Korea, they are severely lacking. I will continue to support an environment where young talents can train and play rounds."

Jungyun Lee, General Director of Woojung Hills Country Club and Laviebel Golf & Resort, is sharing his expertise on golf course management. Chuncheon - Photo by Noh Woorae

Lee is a recognized "golf course expert." He holds various licenses, including a large bus driver's license, a Level 3 golf course superintendent certificate, and a Level 2 golf competition instructor certificate. During the IMF crisis, he even drove a 25-seater bus himself for customers. In the early days of Woojeong Hills, starting work at 4:30 a.m. and finishing at 11 p.m. was the norm.

His management philosophy is "Umunhyundap." While this is commonly understood as "a wise answer to a foolish question," Lee interprets it differently: "The answer to our problems is found in the field." He always emphasizes this principle in his lectures. "As long as you stick to this principle, there are no major problems in operating a golf course."

Even now, he has not taken a single day off from the golf course. Under the philosophy that "you must think of the turf as your own body to create the best golf course," he continues to devote himself to the field every day, pouring his passion into the golf course.