Banter lit fire for U.S. Women's Open winner Chun In-gee

Omnisports Pulse

July 13, 2015 5:27 AM

Chun In-gee - "Dumbo" to her fans - has flown into the world's top 10 golfers after her U.S. Women's Open win on Sunday.

___3965485___https:______static.pulse.com.gh___webservice___escenic___binary___3965485___2015___7___13___15___chun-in-gee-cropped_6boxwhtur0ch14itl11yp47va_1

U.S. Women's Open winner Chun In-gee said her life could have been very different, if not for some light banter from her father.

Chun was declared a major champion in her first U.S. Women's Open start, the South Korean prevailing when Amy Yang missed a 12-foot putt on the 18th hole at Lancaster Country Club on Sunday.

The 20-year-old was a budding mathematician as a youngster, but had little need for use of high ones once she became a golfing prodigy.

After holding aloft her first LPGA Tour title, Chun detailed her pathway to professional golf.

"I really enjoyed studying and I was doing pretty well at school. But one day my father and my father's friend took me to a golf range and they asked me to hit some shots," Chun told a news conference.

"And then I tried to swing the club but the result wasn't that good. Then my father and my father's friend teased me a little bit and I got fired up, and I felt I could do it.

"Then I decided to spend some time in golf, and I fell in love with golf like that."

Chun is not even a member of the LPGA Tour, plying her trade largely in South Korea and Japan, winning three titles in her homeland in 2015 alone.

And the elephant in the room is not whether she will be granted a US tour card - that one has already been settled - but it is Chun's nickname, derived due to her impeccable hearing.

"My name is Dumbo," Chun said.

"Back in Korea my name was known as Dumbo after the first win, and everyone calls me Dumbo.

"When I came over here, some American fans recognised that nickname and called me Dumbo.

"And some even shouting it, 'Let's go, Dumbo', that has made me really enjoy the game."

Chun's win sees her rise 10 spots to number 10 in the world golf rankings.

Enhance Your Pulse News Experience!

Get rewards worth up to $20 when selected to participate in our exclusive focus group. Your input will help us to make informed decisions that align with your needs and preferences.

I've got feedback!

Omnisports Pulse