2017 Rookie of the Year Jang Eunsoo Triumphs on 187th Attempt: "Dad, I Won!"

Triumphant Win at Jeju Samdasoo Masters After 10 Years
Cheers as She Ends Winless Drought After Returning from Dream Tour Last Year
Alternates Kang Chaeyeon and Moon Jeongmin Tie for Second, Just One Shot Back

'186 attempts, 187th success.'

Jang Eunsoo stood at the top for the first time in 10 years. On August 9 at the Teddy Valley Golf & Resort in Seogwipo, Jeju (par 72), she played a bogey-free round in the final of the Jeju Samdasoo Masters on the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour (total prize money: KRW 1 billion), recording three birdies. With a final-round score of 3-under-par 69, Jang Eunsoo sealed a one-stroke victory at 14-under-par 274. It was her first win in 187 tournaments since her debut in 2017. The winner's prize is KRW 180 million.

A former national team member, Jang Eunsoo began her tour career in style by winning Rookie of the Year, but struggled to collect another trophy. In 2020, she lost her regular tour card and spent the next season on the Dream Tour (second division). Up until last year, she bounced between the main and Dream Tours, enduring challenging times. Last year, she ranked seventh on the Dream Tour's money list, earning her return to the first division, and this year, she showcased consistent form to finally claim the top spot.

Jang Eunsoo is smiling brightly while holding the trophy right after winning the Jeju Samdasoo Masters. Photo by KLPGA

On this day, Jang Eunsoo started tied for second place, one shot behind the leader. She sank a birdie putt from about 6.5 meters on the 3rd hole (par 3), and made another birdie from roughly 2.7 meters on the 14th hole (par 3). Jang then converted a birdie putt from about 3.2 meters on the 16th hole (par 4) to take over the top of the leaderboard.

The road to victory was not smooth. On the 17th hole (par 3), she missed the green but stuck her wedge shot to 1.2 meters and saved par. On the final 18th hole (par 4), her tee shot landed in a fairway bunker, and her utility club second shot struck the top of the ball. However, the mistimed shot flew low and reached the green, where she finished with two putts, ending the day in tears of joy.

In her winner’s interview, Jang Eunsoo said, "My shots didn’t feel great today, and I struggled because I had so many thoughts in my head," adding, "My caddie’s advice to clear my mind really helped." She continued, "So many people supported me. I’m always grateful to my parents for their strength," and with a big smile added, "Dad, if you’re watching on TV—I won!"

Jang Sunsoo is raising both arms in celebration after securing victory at the Jeju Samdasoo Masters. Photo by KLPGA

Kang Chaeyeon, who entered this event as an alternate, led the field through the third round and was chasing her first career victory, but finished tied for second place (13-under-par 275) after improving by only one shot on the final day. Moon Jungmin shot a 7-under-par 65 to join the group at tied second. Kim Minju and Seo Eojin finished tied for fourth (12-under-par 276), Park Bokyeom, Han Jinsun, and Jung Seulgi finished tied for sixth (10-under-par 278), and Park Hyunkyung rounded out the top 10 in ninth place (9-under-par 279).

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