NAPLES (Fla.) – Lydia Ko was overcome with emotion on Sunday’s 18th green as she finished a remarkable comeback season. Soon after, she wrapped herself around a tall, slim man in black and khaki. He wiped his tears. Jun Chung was elated to see his soon-to be bride win. Their golf is casual with some dinner and a dare.
Chung is the son of Ted Chung who is vice chairman and CEO of Hyundai Card, Hyundai Commercial. He lives in San Francisco and works in finance for Hyundai. They were pen pals for six month before they met for the first time. Soon after, Ko ended a three-year victory drought at Hawaii. Friends started calling him her good-luck charm. However, his presence in her life brought more than luck.
Sura, Ko’s older sister, and manager, stated that Lydia could be distinguished after Jun entered her life.
Sura said, “Since she met he,” “she finds her peace.”
This peace led to Ko’s third win on the LPGA in 2022 at the CME Group Tour Championship. She won her second Rolex LPGA Player of the Year Award as well as the Vare Trophy for the lowest scoring average.
After a record 2 million payday at the CME Group Tour Championship she also won the LPGA money title with $4 364 404. Lorena Ochoa’s record for single-season wins is $591 behind hers.
Ko, a 19-time LPGA winner, said that “he puts a smile upon my face.” They will wed Dec. 30, in Seoul.
Ko finished the final round tied with Leona Maguire at 15 under, five shots ahead of the field. Maguire was in control of the early lead after Ko bogeyed her first hole at Tiburon Golf Course on a windy and overcast day.
The standing was now flipped by Ko, who had won the round by one stroke. Both players made shocking pars on the par-5 14, with both finding the hazards. Other players joined the conversation. Anna Nordqvist shot a final round 67 to reach the clubhouse at 14 over. Ko stepped up and made birdies on Nos. To pull two clear of her field, Ko made birdies on Nos. 16 and 17. She finished 17 under with a 70.
Maguire said that Lydia was a class act. She is always there. She was very steady and solid. She putts extremely well so whenever she had the chance to, she did it.
Lydia Ko poses with the Vare Trophy and Rolex Player Of The Year trophy, as well as the CME Globe trophy, after she won the CME Group Tour Championship at Tiburon golf club on November 20, 2022, Naples, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images).
Chung was a tennis player in high school, and he took up golf during the pandemic. Chung admits to having Googled Ko’s name in the early days of their relationship. Golf is their favorite activity together. He carries his bag, she uses a pushcart. They play at Lake Nona, Florida where Ko lives, as well as around California.
Chung smiled and said, “I try to make this entertaining for her,”
Ted Oh, Ko’s former instructor, said that the most remarkable thing about the former phenom was her unwavering work ethic. The pair will have daily practice sessions in San Francisco and Ko will then head to the gym at evening.
Oh said, “People don’t understand the behind-the scenes stuff she does.” “It’s crazy.”
Chung, who flew to Naples on Saturday, also agrees.
He laughed and said that sometimes it was really bothersome because it made him feel bad. She won’t even sit down to take a deep breath, but it’s very inspiring to watch her.
Ko believes that her life is now balanced. She said that her identity was so tied to her score for a time. Chung has helped her see golf and life from a different perspective. She doesn’t think her performance matters. Although she wanted to win the tournament with him, it was not what she had in mind.
Ko said, “I met him after that.” He added, “I have actually wanted to enjoy working harder during the times I work.” You can also take time off. Although I believe I took a few more breaks in the past three years, I feel that it has helped me be more focused on my work and more present.
She was thrilled to win the BMW Ladies Championship in South Korea, and she cried when she called Chung. She has always longed to win on South Korean soil.
She said, “I believe he motivates me and inspires to be a better person and player.”
Lydia Ko poses with her family and the Vare Trophy. She won the CME Group Tour Championship at Tiburon on November 20, 2022 in Naples. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images).
Ko, 25, moved within two points of qualifying for the LPGA Hall of Fame with Sunday’s victories. Inbee Park was 27 years old in 2016, and is the youngest player to have been elected to the Hall.
Ko stated earlier this week she would not keep trying to get one Hall of Fame point if it was time for her to quit the game. Ko has stated that she will not play beyond the age of 30, since the day she became a professional. Sura believes that her sister might stop playing if she reaches 27 points.
However, Paris 2024 Olympics is a priority. Sura stated that her sister would push to participate in the final Olympics if she wins two more points than Paris.
Sura said, “She wants so many things after golf.” Sura said that she wanted to become an interior designer. “I’m not from the arts, I’m like you.”
Oh was immediately struck by how relaxed Ko seemed when he began working with her earlier in the season. Chung is an easygoing, kind person who can laugh while remaining in the background. Sura stated that they often mirror one another.
Chung stood on the 18th green and said, “Nothing will change too much next year.” She’s going to continue playing. I won’t interfere with her play. “I want her to give everything she has for the time she left.”
