Lee Taehun, 35, "I'm Challenging the PGA Tour Again This Year"

One Win and Five Top-Five Finishes on the Domestic Tour This Year
Inherited Athletic Genes from His Professional Golfer Father
Set to Compete in the Second Stage of PGA Tour Q-School in December
"My Ultimate Goal Is to Win the Masters"

Lee Taehun was born in 1990 and is 35 years old this year. Although he is not young in age, his dreams are as youthful as anyone's. This year, he ranked third in the Genesis Points on the Korea Professional Golfers' Association (KPGA) Tour and secured a spot in next year's DP World Tour. In an interview with The Asia Business Daily on November 14, he said, "Golf is truly enjoyable," and added, "This winter, I am also planning to challenge myself on the PGA Tour."

Lee Taehun, a Korean-Canadian, was born in Toronto, Ontario. His father, Lee Hyungchul, was a professional golfer who once played a round with "Tank" Choi Kyungju. Naturally growing up in a golf environment, Lee first picked up a golf club at the age of four. At 15, he moved to Arizona, United States, to pursue a career as a golfer in earnest, and in 2007, when he was 16, he played in the US Open. He recalled that due to a wrist injury, his performance did not meet expectations.

Lee Taehun said, "Playing golf is very enjoyable and makes me happy." Photo by Noh Wrae

From 2008 to 2012, he played on the PGA Web.com (now Korn Ferry) Tour. He then moved to the Asian Tour, where he finished second in both the Asian Tour and OneAsia Tour Qualifying Schools, and achieved his first victory at the 2014 Asian Tour Solaire Open. He began playing full-time in Korea in 2017, winning the Shinhan Donghae Open, co-hosted by the KPGA Tour and Asian Tour, in September. He said, "I am eligible to compete in the KPGA, Asian Tour, and DP World Tour," and added, "Next year is likely to be an even busier season."

This year, he had his best season yet. In April, he won the Woori Financial Championship, bringing his total to four KPGA victories and six including the Asian Tour. He played in 16 tournaments this season, finishing runner-up four times and placing in the top five six times. He ranked second in the prize money standings (863,381,260 won), and third in both Genesis Points (4,965.27 points) and average strokes (69.9643). He attributed his resurgence this year to improvements in ball striking and putting, crediting American coach Jack Kim for his significant help.

Lee Taehoon is posing at the Genesis Awards ceremony. Photo by KPGA

There were also some regrets. He confessed, "I aimed for first place in the Genesis Points, but my results in the latter half of the season were not good, so I still feel disappointed." The Genesis Grand Prize comes with 200 million won in prize money, a Genesis G70, a one-year DP World Tour card, and a spot in the PGA Tour Q-School Final Stage. He laughed, "My wife, Kwon Hyesu, really wanted to drive the car, but it looks like we’ll have to try again next time." As the third-place finisher in Genesis Points, he received a 50 million won bonus.

His mindset changed in January last year, after the birth of his daughter, Lee Ruda. He explained, "My wife and I considered many names and decided on Ruda." He emphasized, "After my daughter was born, I felt a greater sense of responsibility and pressure, but it also motivated me to work harder. I want to be a great father."

He has a special connection with tournaments sponsored by financial companies. Starting with the Shinhan Donghae Open, he also won the 2019 DB Insurance Promy Open, the 2021 Hana Bank Invitational, and this year's Woori Financial Championship-all tournaments sponsored by financial firms. In particular, his results at the Shinhan Donghae Open stand out. He said, "I'm not sure why, but I think my condition was especially good at that time."

Lee Taehun evolved into a flawless player through putting practice. Photo by KPGA

Next year is expected to be even busier, as he will be able to compete not only on the domestic and Asian Tours, but also on the DP World Tour. He explained, "I have qualified for 10 to 11 DP World Tour events. It's unfortunate that there is no re-ranking, but I need to win to secure entry into all tournaments." With his sights set on competing overseas, he is also seeking strong sponsors.

At the end of this month, he will head to Georgia, United States, to pursue his PGA Tour ambitions. Thanks to his third-place finish in Genesis Points, he has advanced directly to the second stage of the PGA Tour Q-School, which will be held at five locations across the United States starting December 2. The final stage will take place at TPC Sawgrass in Florida on December 11. Lee Taehun said, "Playing on the PGA Tour has been my dream since childhood," and added, "It won't be easy, but I will do my best to take on the challenge."

Taehun Lee stated, "I am confident that I will succeed if I enter the PGA Tour." Photo by Noh Woo-rae

He is confident he can compete on the PGA Tour as well. In June, he demonstrated his potential by contending for the lead through the second round of the PGA Tour RBC Canadian Open. Although he ultimately finished tied for 36th, he shot 67 (3-under-par) and 64 (6-under-par) in the first and second rounds, respectively. He said, "I was in second place through the second round. I became convinced that I can compete on the PGA Tour." He added, "If I make it onto the PGA Tour, my goal is to maintain full status and win a major championship-especially, winning the Masters is my dream."

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