1 billion won in the round of life + 1 billion won in the DP World Tour, and he kept missing the Iron Man title in front of him
Oct 26, 2025
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'Iron Man' Lee Jung-hwan succeeded in turning his life around with a round that will remain in his life.
Lee Jung-hwan hit 7 under par in the final round of the 2025 Genesis Championship held at Woojeong Hills Country Club in Cheonan, Chungcheongnam-do on the 26th, winning a dramatic come-from-behind victory with a total of 11 under par in the fourth round. a total of three wins. After winning the 2018 Golf Zone DYB Education Tour Championship, he took the top spot for the first time in seven years. In the meantime, he has only finished runner-up six times. He also became the eighth Korean player to win the DP World Tour event.
Perhaps because of the long wait, a huge gift was given. With this victory, Lee Jung-hwan will receive $680,000 in prize money and nearly KRW 1 billion in prize money in Hanwha. However, only half of the prize money earned is recognized in the KPGA Tour prize ranking tally.
It's not just the prize money. Lee Jung-hwan was given 1,300 KPGA Tour Genesis points and 835 DP World Tour Race to Dubai ranking points. Of course, the two-year seed for each tour will be acquired. In addition, the Genesis luxury car, the GV80, is a bonus.
Lee Jung-hwan hit four under par until the third round to start the final round tied for 12th place. Co-leader Michael Lindberg (Sweden) and Nacho Elvira (Spain) started at 8 under par, which was quite a big difference.However, Lee Jung-hwan did not give up and reduced the number of pars.
Lee Jung-hwan finished with a final 11-under par by hitting 7-under par until the last 18th hole birdie. Co-leader Elvira chased by one stroke and made a bogey through the 17th hole. Since it was a two-shot difference, Elvira's second shot, which was aiming for the last two-on chance at the par-5 18th hole, entered the header, and Lee Jung-hwan's victory was confirmed.
The following is the question and answer with Lee Jung-hwan after confirming the championship.
- Finally, he achieved three career wins. How do you feel about winning and looking back on the game?
▶First of all, I still can't believe I won. It is all the more glorious because it is my first victory after renovating the golf course here. I think I was lucky to win because I adjusted well to the course. Also, I'm really happy to win my first victory after being discharged from the military at such a big competition. I was sorry that I didn't have a chance to win many times, but I'm so happy that I felt like I was going to win the Genesis Championship. The game went well today, no matter what. I thought the ball went out, but I lived... (laughs) I thought I could win the championship only when there was a day like this. It was a day like a gift. It's amazing to be here. Honestly, I thought there would be an opportunity for a Korean player because they said they would hold a competition on the course of the `Kolon Korean Open', but I didn't think that was me. (laughs)
- He was in a position to watch the results of other players after the game. How did you feel back then? And when did you think you could win?
▶The game ended early. I didn't think about winning the championship so that I wouldn't let go of the tension as much as possible. I went straight to the practice field with the idea of preparing for overtime unconditionally. After the player who was competing for the championship made a bogey on the 17th hole, he thought there must be a chance.
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▶I joined the military after the end of the 2018 season and returned to the tour in 2021. After returning to the military, I thought I was playing to adapt again for a year or two, and I was satisfied with maintaining the seed. It wasn't bad. But since then, I've had several chances to win... As with this year, I missed the championship in front of my eyes a lot last year. (Upset) There was always a mental burden because people around me felt sorry. Fans have been supporting us a lot, but it seemed that there was a sense of pity for not winning the championship. I'm so grateful to win like this. I will not forget these feelings and show you a better performance. As it was hard, I am very happy and grateful to win a big competition.
- With this win, I got the DP World Tour seed, what are your plans for the future?
▶First of all, I wanted to continue to enter the DP World Tour even before I joined the military. We tried to find a way to advance to the DP World Tour through Genesis Grand Prize, but unfortunately failed twice. My dream is to go to the DP World Tour without fail and then even advance to the PGA Tour. I've been dreaming of my goal this way. With this victory, I got the DP World Tour seed... I'll give it a try. (laughs)
- You became the first player to enter the DP World Tour by winning a co-hosted competition with the DP World Tour?
▶First of all, I'm honored to be the first one. He competed in the 'Genesis Scottish Open' as a Genesis points top player in 2024 and 2025. There is no big difference in competing with foreign players. It was just hard to adapt to the course, environment, and culture. I think Korean players can be competitive enough. If there is an opportunity for Korean players to go abroad, I hope they will try more. I hope you take advantage of the opportunity.
- What do you think is your strength? How good are you at iron shots?
▶First of all, he is good at using iron shots. Since I am tall, I think I have good long iron play compared to other players. It's also easy to play in roughs.
- Do you like the nickname 'Iron Man'?
▶I really like it. (laughs) You look good with your iron shot and your image is strong. (laughs)
- I got twins last year. If you're traveling abroad, you have to stay away from your family? What gives you strength as a golfer after you have a family?
▶He gets less angry even if his performance is not good or the game is not going well. It's a part that benefits itself. If you enter the DP World Tour, you won't be able to enter the house much, but you should talk to your wife. The baby is still young, so I plan to ask him to come to the competition area as much as possible. Because I miss you... That's how I'm thinking.
- What are your plans for the future?
▶First of all, he was scheduled to leave for the 'Hong Kong Open' by plane on the evening of the 27th. I'm thinking about going... If he participates in the Hong Kong Open, he will then compete in the first round of the DP World Tour Playoffs, the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
