Darae Chung Aims for Glory at Women’s Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship

New Zealand golfer Darae Chung returns to her hometown of Wellington to compete in the prestigious Women’s Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship from February 12 to 15, 2024. Chung, who has been mentored by renowned golfer Lydia Ko, is poised to make her mark in a tournament that offers a pathway to major international events.

Chasing Opportunities on Home Turf

Chung’s journey in golf began at the Shandon Golf Club, where she played father-daughter tournaments with her father, Min Ho. By age 13, she had already achieved a scratch handicap, demonstrating her rapid improvement. “I practiced really hard because I found a love for it… I improved really quickly,” Chung recalls.

Now, at 21, Chung is a key contender in a field that includes eight other top amateur golfers from New Zealand. The winners of this tournament will earn invitations to prestigious events such as the Australian Open, the 123rd Women’s Amateur Championship, and the Augusta National Women’s Amateur. The tournament is backed by the financial support of the Royal & Ancient Golf Club, which has a legacy of fostering talent, including the inaugural winner, current world No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul from Thailand.

“It’s such a world-class event, a really tough field and everyone is so good,” Chung said. “It’s important to not get too swept up in the results… just enjoy what’s in front of us and that’s my mindset going into Royal.”

Building on Past Success

Chung’s love for golf has deep roots. She spent countless hours practicing at the Heretaunga course during her junior years. Before returning home for the championship, she honed her skills at Royal Wellington, where she has been preparing intensely. “Obviously it’s my hometown course and I’ve been practicing there since I was pretty much 12 years old,” she stated, emphasizing the significance of local knowledge in a sport often influenced by varying weather conditions.

Reflecting on her past achievements, Chung had a breakout year in 2019, winning the New Zealand age-group championships and a Charles Tour event at Tauranga while still a student at Chilton St James School. Her journey continued with a freshman year at San Jose State University before transferring to the University of Oregon, where she has excelled further, winning her first collegiate title at the Molly Collegiate Invitational and achieving multiple top-5 finishes in NCAA tournaments.

As Chung looks ahead, she aims to qualify for the LPGA Tour by participating in Q School upon her graduation in May 2027. “My dream has always been to turn professional and that’s why I went to university in the US in the first place,” she explained.

Inspiration from a Golfing Legend

Chung’s connection with Lydia Ko, who has set benchmarks for female golfers globally, serves as a source of motivation. Although they have not met in person, Chung appreciates Ko’s support. “She (Ko) has been super supportive of us and sent me video messages before. I reach out to her sometimes, and she is just super open, such an amazing role model to look up to,” Chung remarked.

Alongside Chung, the New Zealand team features other talented players, including Eunseo Choi from North Harbour and Caitlin Maurice from Bay of Plenty. As the host nation, New Zealand benefits from additional tournament spots, giving local golfers a competitive edge.

Chung expressed optimism about the potential for a Kiwi victory, stating, “I wouldn’t be surprised if one of us wins but you never know in golf.” The upcoming Women’s Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship not only represents a significant opportunity for Chung and her teammates but also highlights the growing prominence of women in the sport. As they prepare to compete, the camaraderie and support from their local community will undoubtedly play a vital role in their journey.