Chun In-Gee, Athletes Star , South Korea

Her story begins in Gunsan, a coastal city in South Korea. She turned professional at age 18, bringing a quiet intensity to the game. This start marked the first step in a career that would reshape women’s golf history.

Three major championships define her legacy. She captured the U.S. Women’s Open at just 20 years old. Her win at the Evian Championship set a historic scoring record. The Women’s PGA Championship victory in 2022 cemented her status as a player of remarkable endurance.

The 2016 season was a landmark year. She earned LPGA Tour Rookie of the Year honors and the Vare Trophy for the lowest scoring average. Her world ranking climbed to number three. Each tournament that season seemed to build on the last.

Fifteen professional victories across four different tours show her incredible range. She found success on the LPGA Tour, the KLPGA, the JLPGA, and the Ladies European Tour. This consistency speaks to a deep understanding of the game.

She carries herself with a calm command at 5’9″. Every swing and every stroke reflects a disciplined focus. There is no wasted energy, only precision and power. She represented South Korea at the 2016 Rio Olympics, playing with both national pride and personal ambition.

Profile and Early Years

The coastal city of Gunsan, with its persistent winds, forged a golfer of uncommon calm and precision. This environment demanded focus over force. It was a quiet start for a player who would soon make loud history.

Early Life and Background

Born in August 1994, her childhood in Gunsan was not about seeking attention. It was about building resilience. Korea University further sharpened this mindset, teaching her to think clearly under academic pressure long before facing a final tournament round.

Education and Turning Professional

At just 18 years of age, she turned professional in 2012. Her first few years on tour were a period of steady growth. Each event and every round added another stroke of experience to her game.

The 2015 season, however, was a monumental breakout year. Chun In-gee achieved what no player had done before. She won major titles on three different tours in a single calendar year.

This incredible win at the U.S. Women’s Open placed her alongside Se Ri Pak in the history books. They are the only two players whose first two LPGA Tour titles were major championships. It was a start defined not by luck, but by profound skill and mental strength.

Major Wins and Record-Breaking Performances

From breakthrough to historic record to gritty comeback, her major wins showcase a complete competitor. Each victory arrived under different pressure and proved a different aspect of championship mentality.

Historic LPGA Major Victories

Three distinct major championships define her legacy on the world stage. The 2015 U.S. Women’s Open announced her arrival with steady final-round play.

Six years later, the Women’s PGA Championship demonstrated remarkable resilience. She held on through challenging conditions to secure another title.

Between these bookend wins came a performance for the ages. The 2016 Evian Championship rewrote the record books entirely.

Record-Breaking Scores and Tournament Highlights

Her 2016 Evian Championship victory stands as one of golf’s greatest achievements. She posted a score of 21-under-par, the lowest in major championship history.

This record-breaking performance included an opening round 63. She maintained this dominance across all four rounds of the event.

The final round showcased her ability to close under pressure. She won by four strokes against world-class competition.

Chun In-gee’s Impact on Women’s Golf

Her legacy extends far beyond the trophies and the record books. It’s written in the standards she set and the paths she cleared for others.

That 2015 season remains a landmark achievement in the sport. Winning majors on three different tours in a single calendar year demonstrated a rare level of global dominance.

Influence on the LPGA and Global Tours

Chun In-gee’s immediate impact on the LPGA Tour was profound. Her first two victories on the tour were major championships, a feat shared only with legend Se Ri Pak.

The following year, she secured the Rookie of the Year honor. She also won the Vare Trophy for the lowest scoring average that season.

This consistency, round after round, established a new benchmark for excellence. Her performance in every tournament elevated the competition.

Inspiring Future Generations of Athletes

Her influence is also felt through team play and philanthropy. She represented South Korea in multiple International Crown events, contributing to a team win.

Beyond competition, she channels success into support for education. Her foundation, established after her U.S. Women’s Open win, provides scholarships.

• The foundation offers annual support for students pursuing educational and vocational goals.
• It reflects a commitment to giving back that is as steady as her game.

She inspires not just with wins, but with resilience. Even in playoff events, her grace under pressure sets a powerful example.

Final Reflections on a Trailblazing Career

Fifteen professional victories across four tours tell a story of global consistency that few athletes achieve. Three major titles form the foundation of this legacy. Each victory represents a different kind of triumph.

The numbers reveal remarkable endurance. She made 153 cuts in 181 LPGA tournaments. Her record-breaking 21-under-par performance at one event stands untouched.

This season finds her ranked 170th, yet her T-18 finish at a recent major shows she can still compete. Four playoff losses prove she’s been close to more wins. The foundation she built and records she set will endure beyond any single year.