Jeon In-ji's 'Roller Coaster'... Challenge for the 'Career Grand Slam'

She rode a rollercoaster.

This is the story of Jeon In-ji, the "Major Hunter," challenging the "Career Grand Slam." On the 23rd (local time), Jeon In-ji finished tied for 18th place (2-under 286) after losing one stroke in the final 4th round of the Chevron Championship (total prize money $5.1 million), the first major of the 2023 LPGA Tour season, held at The Club at Carlton Woods Jack Nicklaus Signature Course (par 72, 6,824 yards) in Houston, Texas, USA.

Jeon In-ji is teeing off at the 2nd hole of the 4th round of the Chevron Championship major. [Houston, USA=AFP·Yonhap News]

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Jeon In-ji, who has won 4 times on the LPGA Tour with 3 of those wins in major tournaments, could have achieved the "Career Grand Slam" by winning this tournament. She experienced both hell and heaven. Perhaps due to psychological pressure, she struggled in the first round with 1 birdie and 7 bogeys. Instead of achieving a great record, she was likely to be cut off.

However, in the second round, she showed perfect play with 7 birdies and no bogeys, advancing to the final round tied for 49th place. The third round was the highlight. On the 17th hole (par 3, 164 yards), she made a hole-in-one. The ball, hit with a 5-iron, landed on the green and rolled into the hole.

The sponsor, Chevron, promised a $1 million (about 1.33 billion KRW) donation if a hole-in-one was made on the 17th hole. This money will be used for the LPGA Foundation and the development of youth girls' golf in the Houston area. Jeon said, "I was eager because making a hole-in-one on this hole would help me go under par," and added, "I was disappointed there was no car prize, but after hearing the meaning of this hole, I thought it was even more valuable." She continued, "I am happier because I can help somewhere," and cheered, calling it "the most meaningful hole-in-one of my life."

Jeon In-ji will aim for the "Career Grand Slam" again at the AIG Women's Open (formerly the British Women's Open) in August. She won the 2015 US Women's Open, the 2016 Evian Championship, and the 2022 KPMG Women's PGA Championship.

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