Northwestern senior Jeremy Chen enters the 2026 to 2027 season after taking on his largest collegiate role and testing his game against professionals at the Illinois Open.

The Taipei City, Taiwan, native competed in 32 rounds during his junior season, recorded a 73.37 scoring average, and appeared in the Big Ten Championship and NCAA Athens Regional. This summer, Chen finished T26 at the Illinois Open at 4 under.

In an interview with CGN, Chen discussed his journey from Taiwan to Northwestern, remaining patient through limited playing opportunities and his goals for his final collegiate season.

Career Highlights

• Big Ten Sportsmanship recognition in 2024 to 2025 and 2025 to 2026
• T16 at the 2025 Jackson T. Stephens Cup
• T18 at the Quail Valley Collegiate Invitational
• Competed at the 2026 Big Ten Championship and NCAA Athens Regional
• Won both matches during Northwestern’s third consecutive Gantner Cup victory
• Former Taiwan National Second Team and U16 National Team member
• Fourth at the 2021 IMG Junior World Championship
• T26 at the 2026 Illinois Open

From Taiwan to Northwestern

Chen began playing golf at seven in Taiwan. His parents emphasized academics and golf throughout his childhood, eventually leading him toward the United States and college golf.

After competing in the U.S. Kids World Championship and other events in the United States, Chen moved to Florida for three years of high school to face stronger competition and prepare for college golf.

Northwestern ultimately provided the combination of academics and athletics he wanted.

Chen said choosing Northwestern was one of the best decisions he has made and credited the program with helping him develop during his first three seasons.

Patience Pays Off

Chen’s role expanded considerably during his junior season.

After competing in 18 rounds as a freshman and nine as a sophomore, he played 32 rounds in 2025 to 2026.

Chen told CGN that limited opportunities early in his career taught him to embrace his role, continue working and trust his development. His coaches encouraged him to remain patient even when his progress was not immediately reflected in tournament results.

Testing His Game at the Illinois Open

Chen carried that progress into the summer.

He shot 65 to qualify for the Illinois Open before recording rounds of 71, 70 and 71 to finish T26 at 4 under.

Competing against professionals gave Chen an opportunity to evaluate his game and learn how experienced players manage rounds when they are not playing their best.

The tournament also reflected progress with his putting. Chen focused on trusting his reads rather than chasing perfection, an approach that helped him convert more midrange putts under tournament pressure.

Goals for Senior Season

Chen enters his final collegiate season aiming to continue improving his individual ranking while helping Northwestern compete for championships.

He was a substitute on Northwestern’s Big Ten championship team as a freshman and saw firsthand what was required to win the conference.

Now, his goals include helping the Wildcats win another Big Ten title, advance to the NCAA Championship and compete on the national stage.

Quick Facts

University: Northwestern
Class: Senior
Hometown: Taipei City, Taiwan
2025 to 2026 Scoring Average: 73.37
2026 Illinois Open: T26, 4 under
International Experience: Taiwan National Second Team and U16 National Team

Looking Ahead

Chen’s path at Northwestern has been defined by steady development and patience. After earning a larger role as a junior and producing a strong summer showing at the Illinois Open, he enters his senior season looking to turn that experience into his best collegiate year yet.

Sources:
Northwestern Men’s Golf: Jeremy Chen Player Profile
CGN Interview with Jeremy Chen