PALM SPRINGS – In Gee Chun is strong.

It takes a player with her sort of fortitude to accomplish what she did in 2015 - winning five times on the KLPGA, traveling to the other side of the world and capturing the U.S. Women’s Open, and then setting up a new life in the States in order to take up membership on the LPGA Tour in 2016.

Seemingly unphased by the changes, she hasn’t posted one over-par round in the first three events of her rookie season.

That’s a mentally strong player.

That’s In Gee Chun.

“About three years ago I was in (indiscernible) and on KLPGA Tour,” Chun said through a translator after her round on Friday. “I had some experience at that time and enjoyed all the new environment. I came to the new stage and made a lot of new friends. That made it fun and I'm enjoying it. So I'm back to my rookie status and I'm enjoying it a lot.”

The reigning U.S. Women’s Open Champion took up membership this season following her major victory last summer and has played nothing like a rookie in her first season on the LPGA Tour. Chun has two top-three finishes in her first two starts of the season, and with opening rounds of back-to-back 69 at the ANA Inspiration, looks to be on track for not only another top three but perhaps a second major title.

“Every moment I enjoyed my game. My focus is just enjoy my game, focus,” Chun told the media after her round.

Friday, Chun got a jumpstart at her fifth hole of the day says her caddie David Jones, a former looper for Na Yeon Choi.

“I think the chip in over at number five kind of got us going and we rescued par at six and seven, and then just two good shots in there at eight and nine,” Jones told LPGA.com.

Chun made the turn in 3-under par, 33 but was unable to carry that momentum on the back, stringing together nine pars to finish the day at 6-under par, one-back of leader Lexi Thompson.

“The backside there was a little bit of scrambling and you know just a couple of tee shots in the rough,” said Jones. “No. 13 we hit it own the left side of the fairway and it kicks into the rough because of the hill but had to scramble from the bunker. But all in all it was a bit of scrambling over all.”

This week the 21-year-old is making her first start since the Honda LPGA Thailand after missing the past three events with a back injury. While her treatment may be helping her physically, it was returning to what she loves that has helped her feel like herself again.

“I didn't play a round for the last four weeks and this is my first tournament returning. I'm thankful for the fact that I'm playing again in a major on a big stage. I'm just thankful to be playing well,” said Chun. “During the time I had injury treatments back in Korea, I was so depressed and I lost my appetite and motivation. Once I got here, I began to get my motivation back.”

Last season, that same drive earned Chun KLPGA Player of the Year honors, the top of the money list and lowest scoring average.

“That’s what she’s very good at. She’s very strong mentally, sees each shot as an individual shot and just gets on with it,” said Jones.

It’s that toughness that has put her within striking distance on moving day at the season’s first major.

Chun tees off at 1:31 p.m. along with Lee-Anne Pace.

Mentally Tough In Gee Chun Well Positioned For Moving Day

Related Articles