[PHOTO: Harry How]
In Gee Chun is a three-time major winner and the 2015 US Women’s Open champion, but she was something of a third wheel earlier in the week at Pebble Beach. She had either the good fortune or misfortune to be grouped with Michelle Wie West and Annika Sorenstam in their farewell marches in the 78th US Women’s Open.
Chun, a 28-year-old from South Korea, impressively kept her focus amid the hoopla by shooting 72-72 in the first two rounds to easily make the cut, though she stumbled a bit in the third round with a 75.
Today, Chun was very much in the spotlight while producing a slice of USGA history when she made a hole-in-one at the cliffside fifth hole. It will be remembered as the first ace in a US Women’s Open at Pebble Beach.
Perfection at Pebble! 1️⃣
That's a #USWomensOpen ace for @ingeechun_dumbo! pic.twitter.com/bc6zpqpG4N
— U.S. Women's Open (USGA) (@uswomensopen) July 9, 2023
The field was aided on when the fifth tee was moved up to 143 yards (131 metres), but a tricky crosswind still makes it a tough ace. Chun’s shot landed about 10 paces short of the hole, settled into a smooth roll and fell into the cup. Chun raised her arms in celebration and received congratulations from playing partner Angel Yin.
Aces and majors are becoming a pleasingly regular thing for Chun. In April, during the third round of the Chevron Championship at The Club at Carlton Woods near Houston, Chun aced the 17th hole and won $US1 million for several charitable partners of the tournament.
🚨 ACE ALERT! 🚨
In Gee Chun aces the 17th hole!
The shot is worth $1,000,000 million for The Chevron Challenge, which will be donated to @LPGAGirlsGolf of Houston! pic.twitter.com/PEKAeDXvEF
— LPGA (@LPGA) April 22, 2023
The hole-in-one could be extremely valuable to Chun this time. With it, she moved into the top 10 during her ongoing final round, and any finish inside that number is worth at least $US260,000.
The goods new for her, too, is that there are two more majors left to be played this season.
