[2026 New Start New Challenge] Rookie Lee Dong-eun: "Winning a Major Would Be the Best"

Secures Full Tour Card with 7th Place Finish at LPGA Q-Series Final
Anticipates Playing Alongside Top Star Nelly Korda in Rookie Season
Focusing on Fitness and Short Game Training in Pursuit of Rookie of the Year
"I Want to Survive on the LPGA To

"My goal for my first season is simply to finish it without any major setbacks."

This is the resolution for 2026 from Lee Dong-eun, a long hitter born in November 2004. Last December, she finished tied for 7th at the LPGA Tour Qualifying (Q) Series Final, earning one of the 25 coveted tour cards. This achievement follows her first-ever victory at a major event, the 39th DB Group Korea Women's Open on the KLPGA Tour in June 2025. Lee Dong-eun said, "The LPGA has been my dream stage since I was young," adding, "I'm excited and thrilled to finally have the chance to compete there."

Lee Dong-eun expressed a desire to enjoy playing golf on the LPGA Tour as well. Provided by KLPGA

Lee Dong-eun started playing golf in the fifth grade. She naturally took the path of a player after accompanying her father, Lee Gunhee, a golfer himself, to the golf course. She was a member of the national team and inherited her golf DNA from her mother, Lee Sunjoo, a former professional golfer. She made her name as a leading long hitter on the KLPGA Tour. With a solid build at 170 cm tall, she led the tour in average driving distance last year with 261.1 yards. In her rookie season on the regular tour in 2024, she ranked third with an average of 254.14 yards. When she really goes for it, she can drive the ball close to 290 yards.

Lee Dong-eun, who is debuting on the LPGA Tour this year, said she wants to become a long-lasting player. Provided by KLPGA

Her long drives also drew attention at the Q Series Final last winter. She left a strong impression on LPGA Tour officials as well. Lee Dong-eun explained, "My driver distance is not much behind that of international players," and added, "Courses in the U.S. offer more run than in Korea, so my distance increases there."

She has been preparing steadily for her debut on the U.S. stage. By consistently improving her world ranking last year, she earned a spot in the AIG Women's Open, a major in July, where she missed the cut but gained valuable experience on the big stage. Even in the so-called 'race from hell' of the Q Series, she remained composed. She reflected, "My preparation for the short game paid off," and added, "I was reminded of the importance of play around the green."

Lee Dong-eun is investing a lot of time practicing putting to succeed on the LPGA Tour. Provided by KLPGA

After finishing the Q Series, she immediately began working on her physical strength, believing that fitness is essential to remain competitive on the LPGA Tour. Recently, she has been putting even more emphasis on her short game training. Lee Dong-eun said, "There are many long hitters on the LPGA Tour," and continued, "Rather than just competing for distance, I'm focusing on course management, the short game, and precise putting."

Her enjoyment of the game is also one of her strengths. She is looking forward to playing alongside Nelly Korda of the United States, currently ranked second in the world and also sponsored by TaylorMade. Korda is one of the world's top players, with 15 career wins including two majors. Lee Dong-eun said, "If I get to play with Korda, I think there will be a lot to learn," and added, "If we end up competing for a win, it would be an amazing match."

Lee Dong-eun has the power to drive the ball up to 290 yards. Provided by KLPGA

She is not in a hurry to achieve her goals. She said, "Since the tour brings together the world's top players, the most important thing for my first season is to finish it safely." She added, "I do want to win Rookie of the Year or a tournament, but golf doesn't go well if you get greedy," emphasizing, "I will approach every round with a learning mindset, without rushing."

This year, Lee Dong-eun is expected to compete with Hwang Youmin for Rookie of the Year honors. Hwang Youmin secured her place on the U.S. stage by winning the LPGA Tour Lotte Championship last year as an invited player. Lee Dong-eun said, "It's reassuring to have another Korean player out there," and added, "Healthy competition will benefit both of us." She also said, "If I do my best in every tournament, results like a win or Rookie of the Year will naturally follow."

Eun Lee said she wants to play a paired round with Nelly Korda on the LPGA Tour this year. Photo by TaylorMade

Lee Dong-eun describes herself as a hard worker. She plays with the belief that she grows by 1% every day. She will make her tour debut at the Blue Bay LPGA in China this March. She said, "I want to stay on the LPGA Tour as long as possible," and shared, "Ultimately, my goals are to become world number one and win on tour." She added, "Every tournament is exciting, but I especially want to achieve a great result at the historic U.S. Women's Open."

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