In Gee Chun Bio
In Gee Chun is a professional golfer from South Korea who has built a reputation as one of the most accomplished players of her generation. Born on August 10, 1994, in Gunsan, North Jeolla Province, she turned professional in 2012 and quickly rose through the ranks of the KLPGA, JLPGA, and LPGA Tours. She is a three-time major champion, with victories at the 2015 U.S. Women’s Open, the 2016 Evian Championship, and the 2022 Women’s PGA Championship.
Chun made international headlines in 2015 when she became the first player in golf history to capture major titles on three different tours within a single calendar year. She later represented South Korea at the 2016 Rio Olympics, cementing her place among the leading figures in women’s golf.
Early Life and Background
In Gee Chun was born on August 10, 1994, in Gunsan, a coastal city in North Jeolla Province, South Korea. Growing up in a country with a deep appreciation for golf, she was introduced to the sport at a young age and quickly developed a passion for competition.
Her family background and upbringing in Gunsan helped shape her disciplined approach to the game. The strong amateur system in South Korea provided her with early exposure to competitive tournaments, allowing her to refine her technique and mental toughness well before she entered the professional ranks.
Chun later attended Korea University, where she balanced her academic commitments with a growing amateur golf career. Her time at the university helped her mature as both a player and a person, preparing her for the demands of professional competition.
Path to Professional Golf
Chun In-gee began her professional career in 2012, choosing to compete primarily on the LPGA of Korea (KLPGA) Tour. Her early years were marked by steady progress, and she soon established herself as one of the tour’s most promising young players, picking up multiple victories and high finishes in major domestic events.
Her breakthrough came in 2015, a year that would define her career. She won two KLPGA majors, the Hite Jinro Championship and the KB Financial Star Championship, along with two majors on the LPGA of Japan (JLPGA) Tour, the World Ladies Championship Salonpas Cup and the Japan Women’s Open Golf Championship. She capped off the remarkable season by winning the U.S. Women’s Open on the LPGA Tour.
That feat made her the first player in history to win majors on three different tours in the same calendar year, a record that set her apart from her peers and signaled her arrival on the global stage.
In Gee Chun Career
Early Career (2012–2014)
After turning professional in 2012, Chun In-gee focused on the KLPGA Tour, where she steadily built a strong résumé. She claimed multiple titles and consistently finished near the top of the money list, earning the reputation of a reliable and composed competitor.
Her strong domestic play attracted the attention of international observers and helped lay the foundation for her transition to the global tours. By the end of 2014, she was widely regarded as one of the top young talents in women’s golf and was named the LPGA of Korea Tour’s leading money winner in 2015.
LPGA Tour Breakthrough (2015–2016)
Chun In-gee made her mark on the LPGA Tour in 2015 by capturing the U.S. Women’s Open, one of the most prestigious events in women’s golf. The victory was her first on the LPGA Tour and instantly elevated her status among the elite players in the world.
Just one year later, she added the 2016 Evian Championship to her trophy case. Her winning total of 21 under par set the record for the lowest score in a major championship by any player, man or woman. That same year, she was named the LPGA Tour’s Rookie of the Year and won the Vare Trophy for the lowest scoring average on tour.
Her early LPGA success was historic: by winning the U.S. Women’s Open and the Evian Championship as her first two LPGA Tour titles, she joined South Korean legend Se Ri Pak as the only two players in LPGA Tour history to achieve that feat.
Continued Success and Third Major (2017–2022)
Following her early major victories, Chun In-gee continued to compete at a high level on the LPGA Tour, adding additional wins and consistently contending in major championships. She represented South Korea at the 2016 Rio Olympics, a milestone moment in her career.
In 2022, she completed her set of three different major titles by winning the Women’s PGA Championship. The victory confirmed her status as one of the most versatile and resilient players of her era, capable of performing under the highest pressure.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Chun In-gee’s career came at the 2016 Evian Championship, where her record-setting 21-under-par total remains one of the most remarkable performances in major championship history. Her 2015 achievement of winning majors on three different tours in a single calendar year is also unmatched in professional golf.
In Gee Chun Career Wins
Across her career, Chun In-gee has compiled 15 professional wins, including victories on the KLPGA Tour, the JLPGA Tour, and the LPGA Tour. Her major championship victories stand as the centerpiece of her accomplishments, with three titles spanning the U.S. Women’s Open, the Evian Championship, and the Women’s PGA Championship.
Major Championship Highlights
Chun In-gee has won three major championships: the 2015 U.S. Women’s Open, the 2016 Evian Championship, and the 2022 Women’s PGA Championship. Her victory at the 2016 Evian Championship, where she finished at 21 under par, set the record for the lowest winning score in any major championship.
Other Wins & Performances
Beyond her major victories, Chun In-gee has earned multiple titles on the KLPGA and JLPGA Tours. She has recorded 10 wins on the KLPGA Tour, 2 wins on the JLPGA Tour, and 4 wins on the LPGA Tour, including one co-sanctioned event with the KLPGA Tour. Her consistent play across multiple tours has made her one of the most globally successful players of her era.
In Gee Chun Family
Personal Life
Chun In-gee has maintained a relatively private personal life, focusing much of her public presence on her career and competitive results. She is recognized as a dedicated professional who has represented South Korea on the international stage, including at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
2025 Season Performance
As the 2025 LPGA Tour season unfolds, Chun In-gee remains a respected presence in the women’s game. Drawing on her experience as a three-time major champion, she continues to compete at a high level, aiming to add to her tally of professional wins and contend for additional major titles.
Her track record of performing on the biggest stages, combined with her proven scoring ability, positions her as a player capable of challenging for championships in 2025. Fans and analysts alike will be watching to see whether she can capture another major and add to her historic list of achievements.
With her enduring focus and disciplined approach, Chun In-gee enters the 2025 season motivated to remain among the top competitors in women’s golf and to continue building on her remarkable career legacy.