[2022 New Start④] 'Srixon Tour Money Leader' Jeong Chan-min "320-Yard Long Drive Power~"

2022 KPGA Korean Tour Rookie Sensation "First Win and Rookie of the Year, Next Step: PGA Tour Entry"

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "320-yard long drive power."

The ‘power hitter’ Jeong Chan-min (23) will enter the 2022 Korean Professional Golfers' Association (KPGA) Tour as the money leader of the Srixon (2nd division) Tour. Last year, he already demonstrated his status as a ‘hidden champion’ by winning two tournaments?the 12th event in July and the final 20th event in October?along with two runner-up finishes. He said, "I didn’t miss the crucial opportunities," and expressed his determination, "I will fill in my weaknesses this winter and challenge for the Korean Tour Rookie of the Year." He also added his grand ambition, "I want to advance to the PGA Tour someday."

Jeong Chan-min stood out since his amateur days, winning the Songam Cup Amateur Championship consecutively in 2016 and 2017. He was a national team member in 2017 and 2018, and gained three years of professional experience on the Srixon Tour starting in 2019. Notably, his large physique?187 cm tall and 107 kg?served as the driving force behind his average drive distance of 320 yards. He proudly stated, "I can freely execute both draw and fade shots."

The Srixon Tour is the cradle for next-generation stars, having produced players like Kim Sung-hyun (24, Shinhan Financial Group) and Lee Chang-woo (29) in 2020. Kim Sung-hyun notably set a new milestone by winning the KPGA Championship in August after advancing through Monday qualifiers. This year, he moved to Japan, winning the Japan PGA Championship in July, and secured his 2022 season card by finishing tied for 39th at the PGA Tour’s Korn Ferry (2nd division) Tour Qualifying Tournament (QT) in November.

This is why Jeong Chan-min regards Kim Sung-hyun as his role model. The Srixon Tour expanded last year with 20 tournaments and a total prize fund of 1.7 billion KRW, making the stage even bigger. Bae Yong-jun (22), the champion of the 8th event, earned a ‘direct ticket’ to the Korean Tour by finishing tied for 3rd at the Busan Gyeongnam Open in July as a recommended player, ranking 37th in the season’s money list mid-season. Jeong Chan-min also successfully made a smooth landing by finishing tied for 26th in the same tournament. Experts predict a ‘Rookie of the Year’ competition between Jeong Chan-min and Bae Yong-jun.

Jeong Chan-min, who said, "Due to the impact of COVID-19, instead of overseas training, I am setting up a winter camp around Busan," introduced his plans: "My long game is sufficient. I plan to strengthen my stamina and endurance through weight training and aerobic exercise, while practicing various shots within 100 meters considering the different course difficulties of the Srixon Tour and the Korean Tour." He added his firm resolve, "My goal is, of course, the first victory and the Rookie of the Year award."

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