Kang Chaeyeon, ranked third on the Dream Tour money list, has an opportunity to capture her first regular tour victory at the Jeju Samdasoo Masters.

Having lost her regular tour card at the end of last year, Kang won once on the Dream Tour this season and currently sits third on the money list. She earned a spot in this tournament as an alternate and also brings experience from finishing tied for second at the same event held at Blackstone Jeju Golf Club two years ago.

Solo Lead After Round 3 — Jang Eunsu and Seo Eojin One Stroke Back

In the third round of the Jeju Samdasoo Masters, held on November 8 at Teddy Valley Golf & Resort (par 72) in Seogwipo, Jeju, Kang carded a 3-under-par 69 with six birdies and three bogeys. With a 54-hole total of 12-under-par 204, Kang opened a one-stroke lead over Jang Eunsu and Seo Eojin (both at 11-under-par 205) to claim the solo lead. Victory at this tournament, which features a total purse of 1 billion won, is now within reach.

Early Momentum and a Fortunate Birdie, Despite Late Bogeys

Kang seized early momentum with a 4.8-meter birdie on the first hole (par 4) and picked up two more strokes through the ninth hole to stay in the hunt for the lead. On the 11th hole (par 4), her tee shot drifted right and rolled 271 meters down a cart path, but she received a free drop and went on to sink a six-meter birdie putt — a stroke of good fortune.

However, she stumbled on the 16th hole (par 4), where her tee shot hit a tree and landed in a fairway bunker, resulting in a bogey. She added another bogey on the 18th hole (par 4) after her tee shot ended up on bare ground beneath the trees.

'A Different Confidence From Two Years Ago — I Will Focus on My Game'

After the round, Kang said that despite challenging windy conditions, she was able to convert key birdie putts at crucial moments to finish the round well. Unlike two years ago, when she felt nervous and played passively in the champion's group for the first time, she expressed determination to approach the final round with greater confidence.

Regarding her improved form this season, she explained that both her driving distance and iron shot trajectory have improved. During winter training, she focused on driver work, upper-body exercises, and weight training to increase her distance. Although she is currently third on the Dream Tour money list and is virtually assured of securing a regular tour card for next year, a victory this week would grant her immediate promotion back to the regular tour. Kang showed eagerness to win but stressed that she would focus on her own game rather than becoming fixated on the outcome. She added that if she can create birdie opportunities with her iron shots and her mid-range putts drop, she can expect a strong result.

Tied for Second, Jang Eunsu and Seo Eojin Also Chase First Regular Tour Win

Jang Eunsu and Seo Eojin are tied for second (11-under-par 205), each chasing her first regular tour victory.

Jang bogeyed the first hole but rebounded with six birdies to post a 5-under-par 67. Since making her KLPGA Tour debut in 2017 and winning Rookie of the Year honors, Jang has yet to record a victory. She stated that she would focus on her own play rather than thinking about winning. Seo Eojin, now in her fifth season since debuting on the KLPGA Tour in 2022, has also yet to reach the top of the leaderboard. Seo, who carded a 3-under-par 69 on the day, expressed her resolve to do her best while managing the weather conditions.

Shin Dain and Kim Minju Tied for Fourth; Park Minji and Seo Gyolim in Pursuit

Shin Dain, who captured her first title at last year's KG Ladies Open, and Kim Minju, who won the iM Bank Open, are tied for fourth (8-under-par 208) and aim for a come-from-behind victory. Park Minji, who is targeting her 21st career KLPGA Tour win, dropped two strokes to fall into a tie for sixth (7-under-par 209), where Yoo Hyunjo also sits. Seo Gyolim, a two-time winner this season who ranks second in both the Player of the Year points and money rankings, lost a stroke and is tied for 12th (6-under-par 210) alongside Lee Yewon and others. Season leader Kim Minsol struggled, sitting in a tie for 62nd (2-over-par 218).