[CJ ON THE GROUND — THE CJ CUP] Chairman Lee’s Dreams for Golf: ‘Dream bigger, goal higher’

The Dallas PGA TOUR stop saw five CJ-sponsored golfers step up to the moment with strong performances throughout the week “I had several dreams for golf,” Chairman Lee Jay-hyun shared. “The first was to build a first-class golf course in Korea, one worthy of ranking among the world’s top 100 courses. I realized that dream through Haesley Nine Bridges and Jeju Nine Bridges. The second was to bring PGA TOUR players to Nine Bridges. Jeju went on to host the first regular-season PGA TOUR event ever held in the country. The third was for CJ to become the first Korean company to serve as title sponsor of a PGA TOUR event. That dream also came true 10 years ago.” “The last dream that remains is for one of the players we support to win THE CJ CUP,” he continued. “I believe that dream will certainly come true.” Chairman Lee also shared a simple message of encouragement with the players: “Dream bigger, goal higher.” At this year’s THE CJ CUP, five players sported CJ caps: Kim Si-woo, Im Sung-jae, Lee Kyoung-hoon, Pierceson Coody and Bae Yong-jun. The five athletes may have come from different countries and backgrounds, but they all belonged to one family — TEAM CJ. Starting at the 17th hole on May 22, Chairman Lee followed TEAM CJ players throughout the tournament, cheering them on during key moments. He was also seen meeting sponsored players, including Kim Si-woo, offering warm words of encouragement. All five TEAM CJ players competed in the field: PGA TOUR players Kim Si-woo, Im Sung-jae and Lee Kyoung-hoon; Texas native Pierceson Coody, who became the first non-Korean PGA TOUR player sponsored by CJ this year; and KPGA Tour player Bae Yong-jun. Wearing the same CJ logo on their caps, the players came together on one stage to showcase their talent and determination. And they delivered. TEAM CJ players stepped up to the moment with strong performances throughout the week. Bae Yong-jun, in particular, made tournament history as the first Korean player to make the cut after entering on a sponsor exemption. 🏆 Kim Si-woo finished runner-up, Im Sung-jae tied for 9th, Pierceson Coody tied for 19th and Bae Yong-jun finished 62nd. For CJ Group and Chairman Lee, success has never been defined solely by trophies. Their focus has been on standing alongside players throughout their career journeys, helping turn their potential into reality. During tournament week, that philosophy of supporting players’ dreams came into bloom. A decade after taking its first step, THE CJ CUP has evolved beyond a golf tournament into a K-lifestyle platform, a global business stage and a proving ground for future talent. Just as Chairman Lee told the players, “Dream bigger, goal higher,” CJ continues to pursue bigger dreams and higher goals on the global stage. Chairman Lee’s final dream may have narrowly slipped away this time, but the day it comes true no longer feels like a distant goal.