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Charlie Wi
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Charlie Wi
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Wi Chang-soo (Korean: 위창수; born 3 January 1972), commonly known as Charlie Wi, is a South Korean professional golfer who currently plays on PGA Tour Champions. He previously played on the PGA Tour, European Tour, Asian Tour and the Korean Tour. He was a one-time winner on the European Tour and a seven-time winner on the Asian Tour.

Key Information

Early life and amateur career

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Wi was born in Seoul, and moved to Los Angeles, United States at the age of 10.[2] He attended the University of California, Berkeley, after briefly attending the University of Nevada, Reno and had a successful amateur career.

Professional career

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Wi turned professional in 1995. Early in his career, Wi played all over the world, competing on the European, Asian and Japanese tours. He had most success on the Asian Tour where he finished second on the money list in 2001, just behind Thongchai Jaidee, having won three times during the season.

Wi earned his place on the PGA Tour for 2005 when he successfully negotiated all three stages of the 2004 qualifying school. However, he did not do well enough in his rookie season to retain his card, and went back to play on the Asian Tour in 2006, finishing 4th on the money list. He also competed on the second tier Nationwide Tour, before returning to qualifying school where he regained his place on the PGA Tour for 2007.[2]

In February 2006, Wi secured the biggest win of his career, when he won the Maybank Malaysian Open, an event co-sanctioned by the European and Asian tours.[3]

In May 2011, Wi finished runner-up at a PGA Tour event for the fourth time in his career losing to David Toms at the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial. Wi was seven strokes behind Toms at the halfway stage, but shot a 66 during the third round to take a one stroke lead into the final round. Wi held his lead until midway through the final round when Toms holed out from the fairway for an eagle and would eventually go on to lose by one stroke.[4]

Wi finished as runner-up in February 2012 at the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am after taking a three stroke 54 hole lead into the final round. He shot a final round 72 to finish at 15 under, but lost out by two strokes as Phil Mickelson came from six back to claim the title with an 8 under par round of 64. This marked the fifth occasion on which Wi had recorded a second-place finish on the PGA Tour in his career.

In April 2023, Wi finished second to Mark Hensby in the Invited Celebrity Classic on PGA Tour Champions in Irving, Texas. Wi qualified as an alternate into the tournament but ended up losing on the fourth hole of a sudden death playoff after hitting his ball in the water.[5]

Swing style

[edit]

Wi's golf swing style fits the model known as stack and tilt, and he helped to choose this name.[6] He is coached since 2005 by Mike Bennett and Andy Plummer, who consider him the best example of their swing model:

Today Charlie is thought of by many players as one of the best ball-strikers on tour, and he exhibits the moves we teach better than any other player. If you want to know what Stack & Tilt should look like, watch Charlie Wi.[7]

Wi does not transfer body weight to the trail leg on back swing but moves the weight forward during the whole swing, even with the driver. He performs a steep shoulder turn around a steady axis.

Amateur wins

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Professional wins (9)

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European Tour wins (1)

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No. Date Tournament Winning score Margin of
victory 		Runner-up
1 19 Feb 2006 Maybank Malaysian Open1 −19 (66-68-63=197)[a] 1 stroke Thailand Thongchai Jaidee

1Co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour

Asian Tour wins (7)

[edit]
No. Date Tournament Winning score Margin of
victory 		Runner(s)-up
1 21 Sep 1997 Mild Seven Kuala Lumpur Open −11 (67-73-69-68=277) 4 strokes Taiwan Lu Wen-teh, China Zhang Lianwei
2 20 May 2001 SK Telecom Open1 −7 (69-72-69-71=281) Playoff South Korea Kang Wook-soon, Scotland Simon Yates
3 23 Sep 2001 Shinhan Donghae Open1 −12 (66-70-70-70=276) 1 stroke India Vivek Bhandari, South Korea Yang Yong-eun
4 21 Oct 2001 Volvo China Open −16 (68-67-69-68=272) 1 stroke Thailand Thongchai Jaidee
5 28 Apr 2002 SK Telecom Open1 (2) −16 (67-69-67-69=272) 2 strokes Australia Kim Felton, United States Kevin Na
6 26 Sep 2004 Taiwan Open −4 (76-76-64-68=284) 3 strokes Australia Terry Pilkadaris
7 18 Feb 2006 Maybank Malaysian Open2 −19 (66-68-63=197)[a] 1 stroke Thailand Thongchai Jaidee

1Co-sanctioned by the Korean Tour
2Co-sanctioned by the European Tour

Asian Tour playoff record (1–0)

No. Year Tournament Opponents Result
1 2001 SK Telecom Open South Korea Kang Wook-soon, Scotland Simon Yates Won with birdie on seventh extra hole
Yates eliminated by birdie on fifth hole

Korean Tour wins (5)

[edit]
No. Date Tournament Winning score Margin of
victory 		Runner(s)-up
1 20 May 2001 SK Telecom Open1 −7 (69-72-69-71=281) Playoff South Korea Kang Wook-soon, Scotland Simon Yates
2 23 Sep 2001 Shinhan Donghae Open1 −12 (66-70-70-70=276) 1 stroke India Vivek Bhandari, South Korea Yang Yong-eun
3 28 Apr 2002 SK Telecom Open1 (2) −16 (67-69-67-69=272) 2 strokes Australia Kim Felton, United States Kevin Na
4 6 Jun 2004 Pocari Energy Open −11 (69-70-74-64=277) 3 strokes South Korea Choi Yoon-soo
5 23 Oct 2005 GS Caltex Masters −11 (67-73-71-66=277) 8 strokes South Korea Choi Gwang-soo

1Co-sanctioned by the Asian PGA Tour

Korean Tour playoff record (1–0)

No. Year Tournament Opponents Result
1 2001 SK Telecom Open South Korea Kang Wook-soon, Scotland Simon Yates Won with birdie on seventh extra hole
Yates eliminated by birdie on fifth hole

Playoff record

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PGA Tour Champions playoff record (0–1)

No. Year Tournament Opponent Result
1 2023 Invited Celebrity Classic Australia Mark Hensby Lost to par on fourth extra hole

Results in major championships

[edit]
Tournament 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
U.S. Open CUT T29
The Open Championship
PGA Championship T9 T56 CUT CUT CUT
  Top 10
  Did not play

CUT = missed the half way cut
"T" indicates a tie for a place.
Note: Wi never played in the Masters Tournament.

Results in The Players Championship

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Tournament 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
The Players Championship T63 CUT CUT T41 T25 T55 CUT

CUT = missed the halfway cut
"T" indicates a tie for a place

Results in World Golf Championships

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Tournament 2002
Match Play
Championship
Invitational T63
  Did not play

"T" = Tied

Team appearances

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Professional

See also

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Notes

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Charlie Wi

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Charlie Wi (Korean: 위창수; born January 3, 1972) is a South Korean professional golfer who competes on the PGA Tour Champions. Born in Seoul, South Korea, he turned professional in 1995 after a standout college career at the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned First Team All-American honors. Wi's professional achievements include nine international victories, primarily on the Asian Tour and Korean Tour between 2001 and 2005, such as the SK Telecom Open and GS Caltex Masters. He earned his PGA Tour card for the 2005 season and competed there through 2019, amassing over $10 million in earnings with 21 top-10 finishes, including five runner-up placements, though he never won on the tour. Transitioning to the PGA Tour Champions in 2020 at age 48, Wi has continued to perform strongly, securing two runner-up finishes and 11 top-10 results in 70 starts, with career earnings exceeding $2 million on the senior circuit as of November 2025. Throughout his career, Wi has represented South Korea in international team competitions, including the World Cup of Golf in 2006 and 2009, the Royal Trophy in 2009, the Asian Dynasty Cup in 2003, and the Korean International Team in 2004. Known for his consistent ball-striking and resilience, he remains active on the PGA Tour Champions.

Early Life and Background

Early Life and Family

Charlie Wi was born on January 3, 1972, in , . He grew up in the bustling capital during the 1970s and 1980s, a period of rapid in the country known as the "," which emphasized discipline and perseverance in daily life. Wi's family maintained a modest lifestyle, though specific details about his parents' occupations remain limited in ; his played a pivotal role in his early development by introducing him to during his childhood. No information is available regarding siblings. Wi was introduced to golf by his father as a child, fostering an initial interest through family-oriented play rather than formal coaching. This early exposure laid the groundwork for his passion, with basic training beginning at local facilities in before the family relocated. The cultural emphasis on hard work and resilience in post-war influenced Wi's approach, as he later became known among peers as a serious student of the game, dedicating himself to mastering the fundamentals. At age 10, in 1982, Wi moved with his parents to , seeking better opportunities, which marked a significant shift in his environment and access to golf resources. This relocation allowed him to pursue the sport more intensively, though his foundational experiences in Korea instilled a strong work ethic that carried forward. Wi decided to take seriously soon after settling in the U.S., viewing it as a path to personal achievement amid his family's adjustment to a new country.

Education and Influences

Charlie Wi began his collegiate career at the , before transferring to the , after his freshman year. At Berkeley, he joined the Golden Bears men's team during the 1993–94 season and competed for two years, balancing rigorous academic demands with intensive athletic training. This period marked a significant transition for Wi, who had immigrated from to the at age 10 with his family's support, allowing him to adapt further to American culture and the competitive style of U.S. collegiate golf. Under the guidance of head coach Steve Desimone, who led the program for 37 years and built it from a club sport into a national contender, Wi honed his technical skills and mental resilience. Desimone's emphasis on discipline and strategic play was instrumental in Wi's development, as the coach praised his lack of weaknesses and potential for improvement in competitive pressure. Wi's peers and rivals on the Pac-10 circuit further sharpened his game through intense matchups, fostering a competitive environment that prepared him for professional challenges. In 1995, Wi achieved a pinnacle of his college career by earning First Team All-American honors, the first such recognition for a Cal golfer, while also capturing the Pac-10 individual championship, becoming the first to do so. He led the team to a sixth-place finish at the NCAA Championships that year, underscoring his leadership and impact on the program. Wi graduated from UC Berkeley, completing his bachelor's degree amid his rising golf prominence.

Amateur Career

Key Achievements

During his time at the University of California, Berkeley, Charlie Wi distinguished himself in collegiate through strong performances in major tournaments. Wi began his college career at the , before transferring to Cal in 1993. He led Cal to a sixth-place finish at the 1995 NCAA Championships, helping to solidify his reputation as one of the top players in the . His standout achievement that year came in the Pac-10 Conference Championship, where he won the individual title with a score of 279, becoming the first to claim the honor and earning first-team All-Pac-10 recognition. Wi's excellence extended across multiple seasons, as he was selected as a first-team All-American in 1995, marking him as the first Cal golfer to achieve that distinction. In the 1994–95 season, he also finished second at the U.S. Intercollegiate, further highlighting his consistency in high-level competition. These honors reflected his peak form during his amateur career, positioning him among the elite collegiate talents of the era. On the national stage, Wi gained significant exposure by qualifying for two U.S. Amateurs, including advancing to in the event at Sand Hills Golf Club, where he won his first-round match before falling in the second, and participating in the event. Although specific amateur world rankings from that period are not widely documented, his All-American selections and tournament results underscored his status as a top prospect heading toward professional .

Amateur Wins

Charlie Wi's amateur career featured notable victories in regional and collegiate competitions, establishing him as a top prospect before turning professional in 1995. These successes highlighted his precision and composure under pressure, bolstering his reputation and preparing him for the rigors of . In 1990, at age 18 and fresh out of Westlake High School, Wi won the 79th California Amateur Championship at . He defeated Gary Vanier of Pleasant Hill 3 and 2 in the 36-hole final match, securing the title as the second-youngest champion in the event's history after posting the third-best score in stroke-play qualifying. This victory, coming shortly after his high school graduation, marked Wi as a rising star and earned him a scholarship to the , while drawing attention from national scouts. Wi's final amateur season in 1995 produced two significant triumphs. He first captured the Southern California Golf Association (SCGA) Amateur Championship at Santa Ana Country Club, overcoming rainy conditions to win with a total of 280, four strokes ahead of Jorge Corral and James Lundstrom who tied for second at 284. Later that year, as a senior at the , Wi claimed the Pac-10 individual title at Meadow Springs Country Club in , shooting a tournament-low 279 (71-67-74-67) to finish five strokes ahead of the field—the first to achieve this honor. These wins, including first-team All-American recognition, solidified Wi's elite status among collegians and directly aided his transition to professional by showcasing his scoring ability in competitive settings.

Professional Career

Entry into Professional Golf

Following his successful amateur career at the , where he earned first-team All-American honors in 1995, Charlie Wi turned professional that same year, opting to pursue a full-time career rather than other opportunities after graduating. This decision was driven by his strong collegiate performance, including a Pac-10 individual championship, which provided a foundation for transitioning to the professional ranks. Wi's early professional experiences involved competing on multiple international tours, including the , European Tour, Japanese Tour, and the Nike Tour (now the ) in the United States, as he sought to establish himself amid a non-linear path. He attempted PGA Tour Qualifying School during this period but did not secure a card until later, instead relying on sponsor exemptions and conditional statuses on developmental and regional circuits to gain entry into events. His debut on the came shortly after turning pro, where he began building experience through global travel to tournaments in , Europe, and beyond. The initial years were marked by significant challenges, including frequent missed cuts, financial hardships from inconsistent earnings and high travel costs, and the adaptation to the intensity of professional competition on unfamiliar courses. Wi often faced logistical difficulties, such as competing in remote locations with varying conditions, which tested his resilience while he earned modest initial prize money to sustain his career. By 1997, he had secured more stable footing on the through improved performances, marking the beginning of gradual progress despite ongoing hurdles.

Success on Asian and European Tours

Charlie Wi turned professional in 1995 and quickly made his mark on the , where he amassed seven victories between 2001 and 2006, establishing himself as one of the circuit's leading players. His breakthrough season came in 2001, highlighted by wins at the Shin Han Dong Hae Open and the SK Telecom Open, which propelled him to second place on the with earnings of $315,857. These triumphs showcased his precision and composure under pressure, solidifying his reputation in Asian professional . In addition to his successes, Wi secured five victories on the Korean Tour between 2001 and 2005. Wi sustained his momentum with another victory at the SK Telecom Open in 2002, followed by successes at the and in 2004, and the in 2005. These wins reflected his adaptability to diverse course conditions across and contributed to his rising profile, as he balanced competing on multiple international circuits while managing the logistical demands of frequent transcontinental travel. By 2005, his consistent performances earned him invitations to higher-profile events, paving the way for expanded opportunities. In 2006, Wi reached a career peak with his victory at the co-sanctioned Malaysian Open, where he carded a final-round 68 to edge out by one stroke and secure €288,000 in prize money. This success counted toward both his (seventh win) and European Tour tallies, granting him full playing privileges on the European Tour and marking a pivotal progression in his international . That year, he posted multiple top-10 finishes on the European Tour, including strong showings that underscored his competitive edge against global fields, while his combined earnings across both tours reached new heights. It remains his sole official European Tour victory. Despite these achievements, Wi encountered slumps in the early 2000s, including adaptation challenges after transitioning from a stellar amateur career at the , where nerves and inconsistent form tested his resolve before his sustained breakout.

PGA Tour Years

Charlie Wi earned his initial PGA Tour status by successfully navigating the at the end of 2004, allowing him to make his debut in the 2005 season. His early years on the tour were marked by steady improvement, building on prior successes in Asian and European events that provided conditional access and momentum. Wi's PGA Tour career peaked in 2008, a season defined by exceptional consistency with multiple top-10 finishes, including a tie for ninth at the . He amassed 21 career top-10 results across 263 starts, along with 14 top-5 finishes and five runner-up placements, such as second at the 2008 . That year, Wi climbed to a career-high 39th in the standings, earning over $1.8 million and drawing media spotlight for his near-misses and poised play. Despite these highlights, Wi faced ongoing challenges in securing a victory, often faltering in final rounds during contention. After the 2013 season, he lost full exempt status on the , finishing outside the top 125 in earnings, and turned to the Web.com Tour (now ) in subsequent years to attempt re-qualification, though with limited success in regaining his card. Off the course, Wi benefited from endorsements tied to his Korean heritage, including apparel and equipment deals, while his 2008 surge amplified media coverage in both U.S. and international outlets.

PGA Tour Champions Era

Wi turned 50 years old on January 3, 2022, making him eligible to join the , the principal professional golf tour for male golfers aged 50 and older. He made his debut that year at the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship. His first notable result came in April 2023 as a fifth alternate at the Invited Celebrity Classic, where he advanced to a playoff but finished as runner-up to after four extra holes. Later that year, Wi secured fully exempt status for future seasons by tying for second at the TimberTech Championship, highlighted by a third-round 64. In the 2025 season, Wi competed in 21 events on the PGA Tour Champions without securing a victory, yet demonstrated consistent form with four top-10 finishes. His best result was a fourth-place finish at the Rogers Charity Classic, contributing to season earnings of $762,901 as of November 2025 and a 30th-place ranking in the Charles Schwab Cup standings. This performance built on his prior experience from the regular PGA Tour, where steady play in majors and other events had prepared him for the senior tour's demands. A standout moment came during the opening round of the 2025 Simmons Bank Championship, where Wi made an eagle on the par-5 18th hole en route to a tie for ninth place overall. Wi concluded the season with a T20 finish at the Charles Schwab Cup Championship, still seeking his first PGA Tour Champions victory.

Playing Style

Swing Characteristics

Charlie Wi's golf swing is characterized by its adoption of the Stack & Tilt method, a technique developed by instructors Andy Plummer and Mike Bennett that prioritizes maintaining the upper body's center over the ball to enhance stability and repeatability. This approach involves minimal lateral weight shift, with the golfer rotating around the lead leg while tilting the spine toward the target on the downswing, resulting in a compact and balanced motion. Wi integrated Stack & Tilt principles into his swing during the mid-2000s, crediting it for providing a more efficient path that emphasized geometric consistency in the club's arc. The swing's fluid tempo and wide arc enable powerful ball compression, particularly in iron play, where Wi excelled through precise control and distance management. His form features a smooth transition and controlled rotation, allowing for a wide without strain. Off the tee, Wi's accuracy was exceptional; in , he ranked first on the in driving accuracy percentage at 75.5%, demonstrating the method's effectiveness in promoting fairway-finding consistency over raw distance. Wi's short game finesse complemented his full swing, with a refined touch around the greens that analysts noted as a key strength for and recovery shots. Over his career, he ranked among the top performers in scrambling percentage multiple seasons, such as 10th in 2010 at 63.64%. Peers and coaches praised the uniqueness of his balanced setup and late release, with Wi himself describing the swing's emphasis on circular as essential for adapting to varying player heights and builds. Despite occasional injuries in the 2000s, Wi made minor tweaks to his sequencing rather than overhauling the core mechanics, preserving the swing's reliability into his phase.

Equipment and Technique

Throughout his professional career, Charlie Wi has favored a setup dominated by clubs, reflecting a for that supports his consistent ball-striking style. As of 2014, during his tenure, his driver was a R1 with a Matrix 60X shaft, paired with a RBZ Tour 3-wood (15 degrees) and RBZ Stage 2 Tour 5-wood (18.5 degrees), both featuring Nunchuk shafts for enhanced feel and control. Wi's iron play relied on TaylorMade Rocketbladez Tour irons (5-9) with True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue shafts, complemented by a TaylorMade TP utility wedge (48-06) and additional TP wedges (50-06 and 54-12), all shafted similarly for uniformity. He incorporated an Adams IDEA Pro a12 hybrid (4-iron equivalent) with a Graphite Design USA G105 shaft to bridge longer approaches, and finished his wedge set with a Titleist Vokey Design Spin Milled lob (58 degrees, bent to 59) using a True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400 shaft. This mix emphasized forgiveness in woods and precision in scoring clubs, with adjustments like bending fairway woods for optimization noted as early as 2012 to fine-tune distance gaps. For putting, Wi employed a Newport 2.6 with a SuperStroke grip in 2014, prioritizing stability and a smooth stroke that aligned with his overall technical foundation. His approach to focused on reliability, often drawing from a consistent setup to manage greens effectively. Detailed equipment information for the era is not publicly documented.

Competitive Achievements

Professional Wins

Charlie Wi secured 9 professional victories across international tours prior to joining the senior circuit, comprising 7 wins on the (including one co-sanctioned event), 1 on the European Tour, and 4 on the Korean Tour, with overlaps in co-sanctioned tournaments accounting for the total. His first professional triumph came in 1997 at the Mild Seven Open on the , where he carded a 72-hole total of 11-under-par 277 to win by four strokes, marking a breakthrough just two years after turning professional. This victory launched a successful run on Asian and Korean circuits, with multiple wins in 2001 and 2002, including the Open, which he captured in a dramatic seven-hole playoff against Kang Wook-soon and Simon Yates by making birdie on the final extra hole. Wi's professional wins peaked in the mid-2000s, culminating in his final pre-senior victory at the 2006 Malaysian Open, a co-sanctioned European and event where he finished at 19-under-par to edge out by two strokes, becoming only the second Korean to win on the European Tour after . These successes propelled him into the top echelons of the , reaching a career-high of 38th in 2008, and generated substantial earnings that supported his transition to full status in 2007, where he amassed over $10 million in career despite no victories there. Throughout his regular tour career, Wi participated in several playoffs, recording at least one victory as noted, alongside close calls that underscored his competitiveness without additional playoff successes documented on major tours. As of November 2025, he has yet to claim a win on the .

European Tour Wins

Charlie Wi achieved his only victory on the European Tour at the 2006 Maybank Malaysian Open, held from February 16 to 19 at the Golf and Country Club in . The event, co-sanctioned by the European Tour and the , featured a total prize fund of €1,250,000 and was reduced to 54 holes due to severe rain delays that prevented completion of the third round on Saturday. Wi, starting the final round in sixth place after rounds of 66 and 68, carded a stunning nine-under-par 63 to finish at 19-under-par 197, securing a one-stroke victory over Thailand's , who had won the previous two editions of the . His final-round performance included an eagle on the par-five fifth hole, seven birdies—capped by a birdie on the 18th—and no bogeys, overcoming the wet conditions and pressure of chasing the defending champion. This breakthrough win, Wi's first on the European Tour, earned him $208,330 and provided a significant boost to his , marking a pivotal moment in his career on the circuit. By denying Jaidee a third consecutive title, Wi highlighted his potential as a top Asian contender in international events.

Asian Tour Wins

Charlie Wi secured seven victories on the between 1997 and 2006, establishing himself as a prominent figure in Asian professional during that period. His wins spanned multiple countries, with a concentration in and notable successes in and , reflecting his adaptability to diverse course conditions and climates across the region. These triumphs contributed significantly to his career earnings and rankings, including a runner-up finish on the 2001 . The following table summarizes his Asian Tour wins, including key details such as dates, locations, scores, and margins of victory:
YearTournamentDatesLocationScoreTo ParMargin
1997Mild Seven Kuala Lumpur OpenNot specified, 277–114 strokes
2001SK Telecom OpenMay 20–23Ildong Lakes , 281–7Playoff (7 holes) over Kang Wook-soon and Simon Yates
2001Shinhan Donghae OpenSeptember 20–23Gaya , 276–121 stroke over Vivek Bhandari and
2001Volvo China OpenOctober 25–28Shanghai Silport Golf Club, 272–161 stroke
2002SK Telecom OpenApril 28–May 1Lakeside , 272–162 strokes
2004Taiwan OpenSeptember 26–29North Bay Golf & , 284–43 strokes over Terry Pilkadaris
2006Maybank Malaysian OpenFebruary 16–19 Golf & , 197–191 stroke over
Wi's 2001 season was particularly dominant, with three victories that propelled him to second on the and highlighted his emerging consistency in high-stakes events. His repeat win at the Open in 2002 further solidified his reputation on home soil, where he thrived on familiar layouts. The 2004 Taiwan Open marked his expansion into Southeast Asian competition, showcasing precise iron play on a challenging parkland course. Most notably, the 2006 Maybank Malaysian Open—a co-sanctioned event with the European Tour—represented Wi's breakthrough on a global stage, where a final-round 63 overcame a multi-shot deficit to edge out defending champion , boosting his world ranking and confidence heading into play. This victory, held in humid tropical conditions at G&CC, exemplified Wi's mental resilience and short-game mastery under pressure. Overall, these seven wins, often decided by narrow margins or , emphasized his competitive edge in tight finishes and contributed to his status as one of the tour's top performers in the early .

Korean Tour Wins

Charlie Wi achieved notable success on the Korean Tour (officially the KPGA Tour), securing four victories between 2001 and 2005 that solidified his reputation as a rising star in South Korean golf. These triumphs came during the early stages of his professional career, following his turn professional in 1995, and demonstrated his growing prowess on home soil after initial challenges on international circuits. Wi's Korean Tour wins include:
YearTournamentDetails
2001Shinhan Donghae OpenHeld at Bearstown Golf Club; co-sanctioned with the Asian Tour; Wi finished at 12-under-par, winning by one stroke over Vivek Bhandari (India) and Yang Yong-eun (South Korea).
2001SK Telecom OpenPlayed at Anyang Country Club; co-sanctioned with the Asian Tour; Wi claimed victory in a playoff after posting 7-under-par 281, defeating Kang Wook-soon (South Korea).
2002SK Telecom OpenAt Namseoul Country Club; co-sanctioned with the Asian Tour; Wi won by two strokes at 16-under-par 272, ahead of Kim Felton (Australia).
2005GS Caltex MastersConducted at Pinx Golf Club on Jeju Island; Wi finished at 11-under-par 277, securing an eight-stroke margin over Choi Gwang-soo (South Korea).
These victories significantly boosted Wi's national profile in , where he emerged as a prominent figure amid the country's growing scene, inspiring younger players and earning media attention for his composed play under pressure. The co-sanctioned events with the , in particular the Shinhan Donghae and Opens, contributed to his momentum on the broader Asian circuit, helping him finish second on the 2001 . In his career , these early Korean Tour successes built crucial confidence, paving the way for his breakthrough on the European Tour in 2006 and subsequent opportunities on the .

Tournament Results

Major Championships

Charlie Wi competed in only three major championships during his professional career, all between 2008 and 2012, reflecting his status as a consistent but not elite-level contender on the . He never qualified for the or , limiting his exposure to the full slate of majors. Wi made the cut in all three appearances, finishing winless overall with a best result of tied for ninth at the . His strongest performance came at the at , where Wi entered the final round three shots behind leader Ben Curtis and carded rounds of 70-70-71-74 for a total of 3-under-par 285, securing a T9 finish behind winner . This marked his sole top-10 in a major and highlighted his potential in high-stakes events, though he faded slightly on Sunday amid challenging rough and firm greens. In contrast, Wi's other finishes were more modest: T56 at the at and T29 at the 2012 U.S. Open at , where he shot 74-70-71-74 for 289 (+9). At the U.S. Open, Wi benefited from membership for entry but struggled with the demanding setup, including thick fescue and uneven lies. These limited major outings underscored Wi's career trajectory, where steady play earned him 21 top-10s on the but no victories or deeper major runs, ultimately influencing his world ranking and further invitations. His major record stands at 0-1-3 (no wins, one top-10, three made cuts in three starts).
Major ChampionshipYears PlayedBest FinishMade Cuts
NoneDNP0/0
U.S. Open2012T291/1
NoneDNP0/0
2008, 2009T9 (2008)2/2

The Players Championship

Charlie Wi participated in , an invitational event on the schedule typically held in May at in , from 2008 through 2014. His best finish came in 2012, when he tied for 25th place at 3-under par 285 with rounds of 71-67-73-74. In 2008, Wi made the cut and finished 59th at 10-over par 298, highlighted by a third-round 69 that briefly improved his standing before a final-round 82. He followed with a missed cut in 2009 after opening rounds of 74-74 for 4-over 148. The 2010 edition saw another missed cut, with scores of 70-77 totaling 3-over 147. Wi achieved back-to-back made cuts in 2011 and . In 2011, he tied for 41st at 3-under par 285, featuring a third-round 68. His performance included a strong second-round 67 that vaulted him to a share of fifth place at the halfway point. He slipped to a tie for 55th in 2013 at 1-over par 289 with rounds of 74-70-75-70, and missed the cut in 2014 after 73-72 for 1-over 145. These appearances aligned with Wi's full PGA Tour status during that period, positioning the tournament as a key early-season test before the major championships.

World Golf Championships

Charlie Wi competed in the (WGC) events during his career, with participation peaking between 2006 and 2010 when he achieved his career-high of 82nd on April 27, 2009. Qualification for WGC tournaments, such as the WGC-Accenture and the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, was primarily based on OWGR standings, recent tournament victories, and performance metrics, allowing Wi to gain entry during his stronger seasons despite not consistently ranking in the top 50. His results in the series were solid but not standout, with multiple cuts made and occasional top-25 finishes that demonstrated his ability to compete against elite fields, though he did not advance deep in the format or contend for titles. For example, he finished T23 at the 2009 WGC-Bridgestone Invitational and T29 at the 2008 WGC-CA Championship.

Team Appearances

International Team Events

Charlie Wi represented South Korea in two editions of the World Cup of Golf, a flagship international team competition featuring national pairs competing in stroke play formats. His selections underscored his prominence among Korean professionals during the mid-2000s. In the 2006 WGC-Barbados World Cup at Sandy Lane Resort, Wi contributed to South Korea's competitive showing, helping the team tie for fifth after the opening four-ball round at 5-under par. The event highlighted emerging Asian talent in global team golf. Wi returned for the 2009 Omega Mission Hills in Shenzhen, China, partnering with Y.E. Yang, the recent winner and the first Korean major champion. The pair overcame a challenging second-round 75 with a blistering third-round 61—11 under par and matching the leaders' score—to surge up the standings and contribute significantly to South Korea's solid overall performance. Their low round exemplified strong team synergy and recovery under pressure in the four-round event.

Other Team Competitions

Charlie Wi represented in the Dynasty Cup, a biennial team competition between Asian professionals and in a Ryder Cup-style format, held from 2003 to 2011. In the inaugural 2003 edition at The Grand Golf Club in , Wi paired with India's to secure a 5&4 victory in their four-ball match against 's Taichi Teshima and Toru Taniguchi on the second day, contributing to 's 20½–11½ win over . Charlie Wi represented the team in the Royal Trophy, an invitational team competition pitting Asian professionals against their counterparts in a Ryder Cup-style format held biennially from 2006 to 2016. In the 2009 edition at Amata Spring Country Club in , Wi contributed significantly to 's first victory over , securing a 10–6 win. He partnered with China's Liang Wenchong to win their Friday foursomes match 2-up against Ireland's and Spain's , and their Saturday four-ball match 3&2 over England's and . Wi capped his undefeated performance by defeating Dougherty 1-up in Sunday singles, earning three points for the team. Wi returned for the 2010 Royal Trophy at the same venue, where fell narrowly to 7½–8½. Paired again with Wenchong, he lost their Friday foursomes 4&2 to Sweden's and , and their Saturday four-ball 5&4 to Denmark's Søren Kjeldsen and Sweden's Peter Hanson. However, Wi secured a 1-up singles victory over England's Simon Dyson on Sunday, providing one of 's five points in the defeat.

References

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