SPRINGFIELD (N.J.) — In Gee Chun, who won her third major at the KPMG Women’s PGA last year, is not allowed to play at Baltusrol Golf Club this week. Chun was denied entry to the women’s locker room on Wednesday after she left her tournament-specific credentials in her bag. Her caddie was also with it.
Chun showed her LPGA badge to the official, but it wasn’t enough.
“But I’m sure I’m player,” Chun pleaded.
A person who was in charge of the locker room emerged and announced Chun as champion en titre. Chun, who was not embarrassed by the incident, was happy to tell the story of the mishap to the media after an LPGA official asked her to do so.
Chun is 28 years old and one of three players this week who have won three or more majors. Anna Nordqvist (3 and Laura Davies (4) have a similar impressive major record. Amazingly, 75 percent Chun’s LPGA title are majors.
In Gee Chun with her championship trophy at the Congressional Country Club, Bethesda in Maryland. (Photo: Elsa/Getty Images)
Chun’s debut on the LPGA was at the U.S. Women’s Open in 2015 at Lancaster Country Club, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. She won the Evian Championship in 2016 with a score under 21, the lowest score ever for a major men or women. She beat Lexi Thompson by one stroke and Minjee Le at the first major women’s event held at Congressional Country Club, Bethesda in Maryland.
Chun, who represented South Korea at the Hanwha International Crown in Korea last month flew to Korea to consult her doctor regarding the inflammation of her back. She rested for a while and then began strengthening her core. Chun returned last week to the LPGA at the Meijer LPGA Classic, after a one-month break. She reports that there was no pain while she played. She has reduced the amount of pain medication she takes from twice daily to just once.
She said that it felt stiff and heavy at times, but once she was on the golf course, there were no problems.
Chun will be teeing off at 8:17 am with Danielle Kang, Hannah Green and Hannah Green. ET Thursday morning.
