Jeong Il-mi Returns to Korea for 100th KLPGA Tour Event

“It’s good to be back, I’m so excited.”

Jeong Il-mi (35, Giga Golf), the golfer with the million-dollar smile, returned to Korea for the first time in a long while yesterday.

One of the few Korean female golfers actively participating in the LPGA tours, Jeong will be playing at the ADT CAPS Championships at the Skyhill Jeju Country Club (par 72) on November 23.

This is the first time she will be playing in Korea since the 2005 Hite Cup. This homecoming tour is especially meaningful for the seasoned golfer, as this is her 100th KLPGA tour event since her debut in 1995.

After winning eight Korean tour titles and ranking number 1 in prize money two times in a row, Jeong made her LPGA debut in 2004 at age 32. Despite her belated LPGA debut, she has been showing consistent progress in her game.

This year, Jeong was dethroned from her prize money record by young and talented Shin Ji-ae (Hi Mart). Shin raked in 987 million won, breaking Jeong’s record of 876 million won.

This season, Jeong ranked number 51 in total prize money earned ($250,000), Jeong has her sights set on next year’s tour. She said, “I need to focus more on my conditioning. When I focused too hard on my short game, my drive was a little off. I plan to work hard during my upcoming training.”

She is in her mid 30s, but the idea of retirement never crossed her mind. Jeong said, “I’m going to continue playing because I can. When my body gives out or I feel my skills deteriorating, I will announce my retirement. I doubt I’ll still be playing at 80.”

kjs0123@donga.com