‘Domestic Entry’ Jeong Chan-min: "My Ultimate Goal is to Join the PGA"

GS Caltex Wire-to-Wire Victory at Maekyung Open
400-Yard Long Drive Show "No Plans to Shorten Distance"

‘Korean Hulk’ Jeong Chan-min has taken over the domestic stage.

Jeong Chan-min shot 5 under par in the final 3rd round of the Korean Professional Golf Association (KPGA) Korean Tour GS Caltex Maekyung Open (total prize money 1.3 billion KRW), held on the 7th at Namseoul Golf Club in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province (par 71, 7,062 yards), securing a commanding 6-stroke victory (16 under par 197). This is his first win in his 19th tournament since debuting on the Korean Tour last year. He maintained the lead throughout the tournament for a ‘wire-to-wire’ victory. With the 300 million KRW prize money, he instantly rose to 1st place in the money rankings (305.92 million KRW).

Jung Chan-min is cheering right after his first career victory at the GS Caltex Maekyung Open.
[Photo by GS Caltex Maekyung Open Organizing Committee]

Jeong Chan-min experienced setbacks in the 2019 and 2020 regular tour Qualifying Tournaments (QT). In 2021, he earned two wins on the Srixon (2nd tier) Tour and entered the 1st tier tour last year as the money ranking leader. Jeong’s shots were not precise, and his only achievements were two top-10 finishes. That is why he focused on his short game last winter in Vietnam. With this victory, he earned a 5-year Korean Tour card and a 2-year Asian Tour card. He exclaimed, "I am indescribably happy," and added, "I can now play with peace of mind."

Jeong Chan-min has a solid physique, standing 188 cm tall and weighing 120 kg. Last year, he was crowned the longest hitter with an average drive of 312.4 yards. This year, his average driving distance is 341 yards. In this tournament, he even drove about 400 yards. He said, "I have no intention of shortening my distance," and added, "In fact, I want to increase it even more." Due to his large build, beard, and long hitting power, he earned the nickname ‘Jeong Ram’ because he resembles Jon Rahm (Spain), the world number one.

Jeong Chan-min will challenge the PGA Korn Ferry Tour (2nd tier) again this year, following last year. He emphasized, "Even when I played in PGA Tour events, my driving distance was not inferior," and said, "I will continue to leverage my strengths." Jeong added, "If I determine around September that I can qualify, I will discuss with my sponsors about participating in the Korn Ferry Tour Qualifying School."

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