How a $66 ride helped veteran golfer Yang Ji-ho make Korea Open history
Yang Ji-ho celebrates with his wife after winning the Kolon 68th Korea Open Championship at Woo Jeong Hills Country Club in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province, Sunday. Yonhap
Veteran Korean golfer Yang Ji-ho is drawing attention after revealing that a last-minute decision by his wife led to one of the most dramatic victories in Korean golf history — and a massive payday.
Yang captured the Kolon Korea Open on Sunday at Woo Jeong Hills Country Club in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province, finishing at 9-under-par 275 to win the prestigious national championship.
The victory was historic in more ways than one. Yang became the first player ever to win the Korea Open after advancing through the qualifying rounds, completing what local media described as a “once-in-a-generation reversal.”
The win also earned him 700 million won ($512,000) in prize money and bonuses combined.
But according to Yang, he nearly never made it to the tournament.
Yang Ji-ho poses with the trophy after winning the Kolon 68th Korea Open Championship at Woo Jeong Hills Country Club in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province, Sunday. Yonhap
Yonhap News reported that Yang had originally planned to skip the Korea Open qualifiers after a disappointing finish at the KPGA Founders Cup earlier this month in Yeongam, South Jeolla Province. Despite competing in the final round champion group, he ended the tournament tied for 17th and felt physically and emotionally exhausted afterward.
“On the way back from the Founders Cup, I felt terrible,” Yang said. “I had to go straight to the Korea Open qualifier, but I was exhausted and depressed. I kept wondering if I really had to go.”
Yang said his wife stepped in and called a designated driver for the long trip.
Laughing, Yang said the ride cost about 100,000 won ($66). “Because the driver took over, I was able to rest comfortably on the way,” he said. “If my wife hadn’t done that, I wouldn’t be standing here right now.”
The story quickly spread among Korean golf fans online, with many calling it the “best investment ever” and joking that the designated driver deserved a share of the winnings.
The Korea Open title marks Yang’s third KPGA Tour victory following wins at the 2022 KB Financial Liiv Championship and the 2023 Hana Bank Invitational, co-hosted by the KPGA and Japan Golf Tour Organization.
The victory also secured him a five-year KPGA Tour exemption and a coveted spot at The Open Championship in Britain this July.
Yang Ji-ho poses with the trophy after winning the Kolon 68th Korea Open Championship at Woo Jeong Hills Country Club in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province, Sunday. Yonhap
Yang’s wife, Kim Yoo-jung, is already well known among Korean golf fans. She previously worked as Yang’s caddie during his first two tour victories, becoming a familiar presence. Although she is currently pregnant and unable to carry the bag, she attended this week’s tournament as a spectator.
“My wife says she made me,” Yang said with a smile. “She worried a lot because she couldn’t caddie for me this time, but I think I showed her.”
“Having my wife and our baby with me made me feel warm inside. Thanks to them, I played well and had a lot of luck,” he added.
Yang also repeatedly thanked his wife for supporting him throughout his career.
“Even when she must have been frustrated herself on the course, she always adjusted to me and accepted everything,” he said. “I felt sorry and grateful. I kept thinking, ‘Why would she continue doing all this for a guy like me?’”
This article from Xportsnews is adapted by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.