A sensational start on Thursday saw 27-year-old Chun sink nine birdies en route to carding an 8-under 64 that set the lowest opening round in the history of the women’s PGA Championship and set a new record for the blue course of the Congressional, which was renovated in 2021.
Incredibly, Chun had a seven-shot lead on her return to the clubhouse, with her ferocious start capturing the attention of many in the golf world – none more than two-time big winner Justin Thomas.
Although the margin had been narrowed to five by the end of the day by compatriot Hye-Jin Choi and Thailand’s Pornanong Phatlum, Chun’s lead still secured the largest first round lead in women’s golf history.
Chun’s performance was made even more impressive by the fact that many players had struggled with the effects of the overnight rain, with Choi and Phatlum being the only other players to shoot under 70.
‘I don’t know what job In Gee is playing’
Defending champion Nelly Korda, who had shot 71, marveled at Chun’s efforts.
“I don’t know what golf course In Gee plays on,” Korda said on Thursday.
“She must play very well. I would think if I did today I would be very happy with the score I shot.
“I think at the start of the day you saw some higher numbers. In Gee just plays really well, and applause for her. Sometimes it just has to be your week, right? You stick to your game plan and hopefully we shoot some good numbers for Sunday.”
Championing the US Women’s Open in 2015 and the Evian Championship a year later, the Bethesda win would end Chun’s six-year wait for another major.
And after a solid second round, the South Korean map saw five birdies to maintain a healthy lead, Chun is determined to keep her focus in her title chase.
“I feel like after I had a great first round, it’s now a game that’s more me against me,” she told reporters on Saturday.
“I keep trying to focus well, and I just want to keep trying what I’ve been doing for the past two days. I think that’s the key to winning this week. Just go with the flow, do what I can do .”