‘Golf Oxford’ Grad Han Jinseon Rises to the Top on Home Turf
Konkuk alumna shares lead at KLPGA Deoksin EPC Championship near her alma mater
ChungJu, Korea - Han Jinseon found herself in familiar territory—literally and figuratively—as she fired a 3-under 69 to share the first-round lead at the Deoksin EPC Championship. Playing just a stone’s throw from her alma mater, Konkuk University Global Campus, the 26-year-old looked right at home at Kingsdale Golf Club in Chungju.
It wasn’t just the proximity that played in Han’s favour. “This course just suits me,” she said. “I’ve played it four or five times during my university days. It feels like a second home.” That ease showed on the front nine, where she birdied four of her opening nine holes.
The round had its ups and downs—six birdies balanced by three bogeys—but she finished with a smile and a share of the lead alongside Jeong Soyi and Hong Jinyoung2. It’s a welcome return to form for Han, who is chasing her first win since 2023.
The leaderboard featured a strong showing from her fellow alumni as well. Of the eight Konkuk golfers in the field, several hovered around par, though Jeong Heewon languished at the bottom after a 13-over struggle.
Still, as Han aims to end her 20-month title drought, she’s boosted by more than just local knowledge. “Being near the university brings back so many good memories,” she said. “It’s helping me stay calm and focused.”
With the weekend beckoning and the summit in sight, Han Jinseon is proving that sometimes, you really can go home again—and win.