Current Korean PGA Tour number one Guntaek Koh and Chanming Jung, the defending champion at this week’s GS Caltex Maekyung Open, both say they are determined to convert their fine form on home soil to success overseas on the Asian Tour.

Koh won three times in Korea last year to top the local rankings – including the Asian Tour sanctioned Shinhan Donghae Open following a play-off against Thailand’s Phachara Khongwatmai – and has also been victorious once this year, while Jung tasted victory twice, most noticeably in last year’s GS Caltex Maekyung Open, which is also part of the Asian Tour schedule.

Both players have started to travel more and more in order to advance their careers, with Koh showing more promise having made the cut in all three events he has travelled to in 2024, in Malaysia, Macau and Saudi.

“First of all, it’s fun to take on a global tour,” said Koh, who won the KPGA Founders Cup with Hanmac CC last month.

Guntaek Koh winning last year’s Shinhan Donghae Open. Picture supplied by the Korean PGA Tour.

“Playing at various golf courses and competing with many players seems to be a great help to my golf growth. When I have the opportunity to go overseas I take it as I want to continue to challenge myself and move forward.”

Koh has been paired in today’s first round, and tomorrow’s second round, with Jung and American John Catlin – the hottest player on the Asian Tour at the moment having won the past two events.

Explains Koh: “The level of the Korean, Japanese, and Asian Tours seem to be somewhat similar. There seems to be a difference in the appearance of the courses, but I think the fairways are a little narrower in Korea as we have a lot of out of bounds.

“However, this is advantageous, as you need to hit it accurately in events, whether domestically or overseas. Rather than finding a place that suits me, I am trying to improve my golf skills so that I can play well on any tour or golf course.”

Koh, who like Jung is 25 years old, has been a professional since 2018 and has held off doing his national service in order to capitalise on his recent exceptional form.

Mission accomplished for Chanming Jung at last year’s GS Caltex Maekyung Open.

“By postponing my military service I have the opportunity to challenge myself and play more overseas to increase my golf skills and experience. Winning again recently definitely effected this decision.”

The Korean says his success is the result of making a concerted effort to work harder and prepare more.

“Like last year I really worked on my physical conditioning during the winter. I’m constantly working on my game and fitness and thankfully the results have come,” he said.

Jung has played much more than Koh overseas, particularly last year after winning the GS Caltex Maekyung Open. Unlike Koh, making it through to the weekend has been a struggle but he is determined to find a solution.

“I think I’m trying to adjust quickly to the Asian Tour,” said Jung.

“It’s a different environment than Korea, such as weather, courses, and food, so I think I spend a lot of time adapting to it. The next Asian Tour events for me will probably be in Morocco in July and England in August.”

Chanmin Jung at last year’s Saudi Open presented by the Public Investment Fund. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

His success has been built on power from the tee. Currently ranked seventh in driving distance on the Korean PGA Tour with an average drive of 305.7 yards he’ll be looking to end the year top of the list, as he did in 2022 with an average of 317.1 yards.

“I think last year’s season was a little busy. Playing in England and Scotland was a great experience but very different. There is a lot for me to learn but I am determined to do so.

“Winnin here last year was my turning point. I was glad that I was able to let Korean golf fans know about me.”

As both Koh and Jung looked to make their mark on the international stage, they need look no further than their playing partner Catlin for guidance.

The American, who leads the Asian Tour Order of Merit, is attempting to become the first player to win three tournaments on the trot on the Asian Tour and has won six times on the Asian Tour.