'European Players' Lee Tae-hee and Moon Kyung-jun "Focusing on Domestic Stage This Year"'

"Unable to Participate in European Tour Due to COVID-19 Impact, Joint Training at Namseoul Practice Range: 'We Will Make a Mark on the Korean Tour'"

Lee Tae-hee (above) and Moon Kyung-jun will focus on domestic competitions this year instead of Europe due to the impact of COVID-19.

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] 'Europe-based' golfers Lee Tae-hee (36, OK Savings Bank) and Moon Kyung-jun (38, Husem) will focus on the domestic stage this year.

On the 11th, Lee Tae-hee said, "Due to the impact of COVID-19, it is practically difficult to participate in the European Tour," adding, "I plan to mainly compete in domestic tournaments." Moon Kyung-jun also explained, "Even if I could go to Europe, it would not be easy to participate," and said, "I will not go this season." Both players secured European Tour cards for the 2020 season. Lee Tae-hee earned a full European Tour card by finishing 3rd in the Asian (APGA) Tour money rankings in the 2019 season.

Normally, the European Tour card is given to the 1st place winner of the APGA Tour money list, but since 1st place Jazz Watananon (Thailand) and 2nd place Scott Hend (Australia) already hold cards, the opportunity passed to Lee Tae-hee. Moon Kyung-jun earned a 'direct ticket to Europe' last year by finishing 1st in the Korean Professional Golfers' Association (KPGA) Korean Tour Genesis Points Ranking (Order of Merit). He showed remarkable consistency by entering the 'Top 10' seven times without a single 'cut off' in 15 tournaments.

Lee Tae-hee and Moon Kyung-jun have no pressure to maintain their cards. Due to the suspension of the tour caused by COVID-19, the European Tour has granted cardholders the right to compete next year as well. Practically, traveling between Europe and Korea is not easy. Players must quarantine for two weeks upon arrival and then undergo another two weeks of self-isolation after returning to Korea.

The European Tour will resume the season in July with the 'UK Swing.' This is four months after the 'shutdown' in March due to COVID-19. From July 22, following the British Masters held in England, the tour will hold six consecutive weeks of 'no-spectator matches' in the UK, including the English Open, English Championship, Celtic Classic, Wales Open, and UK Championship. Both players are currently focusing on training at the Namseoul Practice Range located in Bundang, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do.

They share a close friendship, enjoying rounds together. Lee Tae-hee said, "I will participate in the Korean Tour in July and August," adding, "I will prepare hard during the remaining period to achieve good results." Due to COVID-19, the Korean Tour is starting the season without any tournaments in the first half of the year for the first time in 58 years. The first tournament will be the Woosung Construction Aramir CC Busan Gyeongnam Open, held over four days starting July 2 at Aramir Golf Course in Changwon, Gyeongnam.

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