[2020 New Start⑩] 'Bong Jung-geun's Nephew' Lee Jae-yoon "My Uncle Complimented Me"

Secured 2020 Season Seed by Ranking 14th in Last Year's Dream Tour Prize Money, Completed Vietnam Training Camp "Aiming for 1 Win and Rookie of the Year"

Lee Jae-yoon is aiming to catch two rabbits in his first year on the KLPGA Tour by winning both the championship and the Rookie of the Year title.

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] "My maternal uncle praised me, saying 'You are doing well.'

This is what 'KLPGA rookie' Lee Jae-yoon (20, Volvik) said. Bong Jung-geun (40), a former national baseball player and currently a KBS broadcast commentator, is his maternal uncle. He has been a close relative who has helped him a lot since childhood. In a phone interview with Asia Economy Newspaper on the 2nd, Lee Jae-yoon smiled and said, "Maybe because my uncle is an athlete, we communicate well, and he recently sent me a health necklace gift certificate," adding, "'You have done well so far, and keep working hard'?he encouraged me."

Lee Jae-yoon started playing golf in the 5th grade of elementary school. Watching players on the U.S. Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour such as Choi Na-yeon (33, Daebang Construction) and Yoo So-yeon (30, Mediheal), he nurtured his dream of becoming a golfer. "I have been interested in sports like basketball since I was young," he said. Although he has no experience as a national team member, he is a steadily growing 'hidden gem.' In 2017, when he was a sophomore at Yeongdong Industrial Science High School in Yeongdong-gun, Chungbuk, he was recognized for his potential by winning the Jeonnam Governor's Cup.

In 2018, he became a full member by ranking first in prize money in the Korean Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Jump (3rd division) Tour division. Last April, he made his name known by winning the first round of the Dream (2nd division) Tour, and in July, he secured a first division tour card by ranking 14th in prize money, including 4th place in the 11th round of the Dream Tour. His average drive shot distance is 220?230 meters. His main weapon is his 'needle-like iron shots,' with a Dream Tour green hit rate of 78.18% (27th). "I am confident in my middle iron shots with the 7 and 8 irons," he said.

Before the 2020 season, from January 11 to February 27, he completed a training camp at Twin Doves in Vietnam. He focused on the short game, including putting, which was lacking by 2%. "I played in two first division tour events last year, but I found the play around the greens difficult," he explained, "so in Vietnam, I concentrated on checking my approach shots." His goal for this year is 'one win and Rookie of the Year.' "I have confidence that I can do it," he said, adding his bold ambition, "I want to be the best rookie."

Due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), the domestic opening event of the KLPGA Tour was canceled, creating a tense atmosphere. He is focusing his mind through training. Starting training at around 9 a.m. at Seochang Public Golf Club in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province, he endures a rigorous schedule with Pilates and weight training in the evening. Once a week, he rounds at tournament courses such as Turning Point and Island CC. "I want COVID-19 to calm down quickly so I can compete in tournaments," he wished.

Lee Jae-yoon posing immediately after winning the first round of the Dream Tour last year.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.