2009 runner-up Chun 'more mature' after Open experience
Korea’s Eric Chun, runner-up in the inaugural Asian Amateur Championship at Mission Hills last year, is embarking on his second campaign a more mature golfer, following a year in which he made his Major Championship debut in The Open at St Andrews.
The 20-year-old, who qualified for golf’s oldest Major at International Final Qualifying – Asia, missed the cut on the Old Course by a solitary stroke. Nevertheless, he impressed onlookers with a standard of play that matched, and on occasions even surpassed, that of the world’s best professionals.
“I wish I’d have made the cut. I was one-under with six holes to play, and then I was four over for those last six and missed the cut by one, which was pretty disappointing,” said the Northwestern University junior. “But at the same time, you can’t complain – the whole experience was so eye-opening.
“I matured in my golf a lot. It opened up my eyes to where I want to be and where I want to go with my game.”
2009 Big 10 Champion Chun, the first freshman to win that title since Steve Stricker in 1986, is eager to secure another Major appearance with victory at Kasumigaseki this week; an achievement that would earn him an invitation to compete over Augusta National’s hallowed fairways next spring.
“A place in the Masters is a huge motivation. When I played in The Open, I told myself, ‘this is why I started and this is where I want to be’. If I earn a place at Augusta, I’m sure I’ll be saying the same thing,” he said.
“All the hard work, grinding out the pars, and even the bogeys, will be worth it if you’re on the first tee at the Masters.”
And, should he take his place amongst the elite of the game in 2011’s first Major Championship, he will be far from overawed.
“You play with the best and you find out that these are just normal guys, and they make mistakes, too. They’re not hitting 100 yards further than you and the hole isn’t any bigger for them!
“They do this for life, so every shot counts. I noticed that they’re extra-careful with those short putts, they never seem to miss an up-and-down and very rarely three-putt. My good rounds are as good as theirs; it’s just that my bad rounds are worse.”
But before thoughts of Augusta or Royal St George’s can be entertained, Chun will take part in his second Asian Amateur. And while expecting to play well, he will not be putting himself under any extra pressure – another lesson learned from his week in Scotland.
“I’ve matured in the way I practise since last year and how I look at the game. Obviously I want to play well this week and win, but you can’t play well every week and you’ve just got to enjoy it. It’s a huge part of golf – a lot of people put too much pressure on themselves, but I’ve learnt just to enjoy every shot.
“I’m just going to try to play my best, play my game and see where that takes me.”
Chun will be taking part in the opening ceremony this evening [Tuesday], heralding the start of the 2010 Asian Amateur Championship.
