UCLA sophomore Jenny Lee enters the spring portion of the college golf season with growing momentum following a breakout start to her second year in Division I competition. With a decorated junior career, international experience, and a renewed mindset on the course, Lee has quickly emerged as one of the Bruins’ key contributors.
Originally from Osan, South Korea, Lee began playing golf at age seven after frequently accompanying her father to the driving range. What started as curiosity quickly developed into dedication as she began practicing daily and eventually began working with a coach.
That early commitment produced remarkable results. Lee recorded 51 junior victories worldwide before arriving in college and built a reputation as one of the most accomplished junior golfers from South Korea. Her amateur resume also included representing South Korea at the Spirit International Amateur Golf Championship and competing in elite global events.
One of the most notable experiences of her amateur career came in 2022 when she competed in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur. The opportunity to play one of the most recognizable venues in golf and compete alongside top amateurs from around the world marked an important milestone in her development.
Transition to College Golf
Lee began her collegiate career at Baylor during the 2024 to 25 season. As a freshman she appeared in six tournaments and made four lineup starts while gaining experience at the Division I level.
Her best performance came at the PDI Intercollegiate where she finished tied for 36th after posting a two under 214. Lee also recorded multiple rounds under par during her freshman campaign while continuing to develop consistency.
Following that season she transferred to UCLA, where she quickly found a strong connection with the coaching staff and program environment. The Bruins’ coaching staff, both former UCLA players themselves, played a key role in helping her adjust and regain confidence.
Breakthrough Sophomore Season
Lee’s sophomore season has marked a clear turning point in her collegiate career.
She captured her first college victory at the 2025 Windy City Collegiate Classic with a score of eight under 208 after rounds of 70, 68, and 70. Her performance earned Big Ten Women’s Golfer of the Week honors.
During the tournament Lee was one of only six players in the field to shoot three consecutive rounds under par. She led the field on par fives at eight under and produced nine under par on the back nine across the week with one eagle and seven birdies without recording a bogey.
Earlier in the season Lee also finished tied for first through regulation at the Therese Hession Regional Challenge at five under 208 before falling in a playoff to Texas standout Farah O’Keefe. Her performance helped UCLA secure the team title by eleven strokes over a field that included six top twenty five programs.
The results reflected a noticeable change in her approach to the game. Lee has emphasized trusting her decisions on the course and focusing more on enjoying competition rather than placing pressure on outcomes.
Role Within the UCLA Program
As a sophomore, Lee has quickly become an important part of the UCLA lineup.
Representing the Bruins has provided additional motivation, and she has spoken about the pride she feels wearing the UCLA name in competition. The team environment has also played a role in her development, with strong chemistry and mutual support among teammates helping to build confidence across the roster.
Event Focus: GameAbove Golf Invitational
Lee and UCLA will compete in the GameAbove Golf Invitational at Rolling Hills Country Club in Rolling Hills Estates, California. The tournament features a strong national field and serves as a key early season measuring point as teams prepare for postseason competition.
The Bruins have focused heavily on preparation and course management heading into the event, including team strategy sessions and detailed hole planning before traveling to competition.
For Lee, the tournament represents another opportunity to build on the momentum of her sophomore season while competing against some of the top programs in college golf.
CGN will provide livestream coverage of Round 2 and the Final Round of the GameAbove Golf Invitational.
Career Snapshot
School: UCLA
Class: Sophomore
Hometown: Osan, South Korea
High School: Collegiate Academy of Seoul
Previous School: Baylor
Major: Sociology
Career Honors:
Big Ten Women’s Golfer of the Week
Individual Champion, Windy City Collegiate Classic
Sources
GameAbove Golf Invitational Round 2 Livestream