1. Early Life and Amateur Career
Suk Jong-yul's early life and amateur golf career were marked by significant achievements, including multiple victories in amateur events and a notable win at a professional tournament before he officially turned professional.
1.1. Early Life
Suk Jong-yul was born on 6 February 1969.
1.2. Amateur Career
Suk broke into the upper ranks of the sport at a relatively advanced age. He won the China Amateur three times consecutively in 2000, 2001, and 2002. In 2002, while still an amateur, he also won the Iksan Open, a professional event in South Korea on the Korean Tour, which was a unique accomplishment for an amateur.
2. Professional Career
Suk Jong-yul officially turned professional in 1997. His professional career includes significant wins across various golf tours, notably the Asian Tour, Korean Tour, and Japan PGA Senior Tour, alongside a notable record in Korean Tour playoffs.
2.1. Professional Wins
Suk Jong-yul has accumulated a total of three professional wins across the Asian Tour, Korean Tour, and Japan PGA Senior Tour.
2.1.1. Asian Tour
Suk Jong-yul has one victory on the Asian Tour.
| No. | Date | Tournament | Winning score | Margin of victory | Runner-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 30 April 2006 | GS Caltex Maekyung Open | -17 (67-69-68-67=271) | 1 stroke | Bryan Saltus |
The 2006 GS Caltex Maekyung Open was co-sanctioned by the Korean Tour.
2.1.2. Korean Tour
Suk Jong-yul has two victories on the Korean Tour, including one achieved while he was still an amateur.
| No. | Date | Tournament | Winning score | Margin of victory | Runner-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 16 November 2002 | Iksan Open | -15 (66-65-70-72=273) | Playoff | Choi Sang-ho |
| 2 | 30 April 2006 | GS Caltex Maekyung Open | -17 (67-69-68-67=271) | 1 stroke | Bryan Saltus |
The 2002 Iksan Open victory was achieved while Suk Jong-yul was still an amateur. The 2006 GS Caltex Maekyung Open was co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour.
2.1.3. Japan PGA Senior Tour
Suk Jong-yul has one victory on the Japan PGA Senior Tour.
| No. | Date | Tournament | Winning score | Margin of victory | Runners-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 20 November 2019 | ISPS Handa Cup Philanthropy Senior Tournament | -9 (66-69=135) | 1 stroke | Katsumi Kubo, Kiyoshi Murota |
2.2. Korean Tour Playoff Record
Suk Jong-yul's Korean Tour playoff record stands at one win and two losses.
| No. | Year | Tournament | Opponent(s) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2002 | Iksan Open | Choi Sang-ho | Won with birdie on third extra hole |
| 2 | 2006 | Pocari Energy Open | Han Lee, Kim Kyung-tae (a) | Kim won with birdie on second extra hole; Suk was eliminated by birdie on first hole |
| 3 | 2008 | NH NongHyup KPGA Championship | Andrew McKenzie, Park Sang-hyun | McKenzie won with birdie on first extra hole |
3. Awards and Honors
Suk Jong-yul was recognized as the Korean Tour Rookie of the Year in 2000, marking a significant early career achievement.