Twice as Nice: Jin Chung captures second Georgia PGA Championship

Staff Reports

ATLANTA – Jin Chung, PGA of America Teaching Professional at Chateau Elan Golf Club, captured his second Georgia PGA Championship on Wednesday at Champions Retreat Golf Club, finishing at 5-under-par 211to add the 2026 title to his 2024 victory.

Chung entered the final round with a three-shot advantage after rounds of 71 (1-under-par) and 68 (4-under-par). Playing alongside PGA Head Professional Todd Sapere of Ohoopee Match Club and PGA Head Professional Dylan Malafronte of Frederica Golf Club, both of whom started the day at 2-under-par, Chung finished with an even-par final round to win the championship.

“It feels great,” Chung said. “Playing with the lead was not easy out there. I hit it into some spots that I shouldn’t have and kind of made it hard on myself, but I was happy that I made some putts.”

Sapere remained Chung’s closest challenger, finishing the championship at 2-under-par, while Malafronte finished at 2-over-par.

For Chung, the victory marks a return to the top of the Georgia PGA Championship leaderboard just two years after capturing his first title in 2024 at Sea Island Golf Club’s Retreat Course, where he finished at 10-under-par. Following a season competing on the Korn Ferry Tour in 2025, Chung returned to Section competition and once again claimed the Georgia PGA Championship.

Chung credited the support around him for helping him stay competitive.

“It’s grinding out here, but for me to stay competitive, my wife grinds back home working full time and taking care of our nine-month-old, so that’s more grinding than out here,” Chung said. “Thanks to my wife, and the support from the PGA Professionals out here is great.”

He also credited his coach, PGA Professional Jon Tattersall for helping him throughout the week.

“Thank you to my coach,” Chung said. “I was chatting with him throughout the week, and he really helped me.”

The championship also served as a qualifier for the 2027 PGA Professional Championship, set for April 25–28 at Streamsong Golf Resort in Bowling Green, Florida, on the Red and Blue Courses. Chung earned a qualifying spot alongside Sapere; Avery Price, PGA of America Assistant Professional at The Rose Golf Club; Jacob Tilton, PGA Teaching Professional at Ansley Golf Club; and Malafronte.

Francisco Bide, PGA Head Professional at Capital City Club, also earns an exemption into the 2027 PGA Professional Championship following his appearance in the 2026 PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club. Andrew Arft, PGA Assistant Professional at Barnsley Resort will represent the Georgia Section as well after qualifying through the North Florida PGA Championship. The seven Georgia PGA Professionals will represent the Section at Streamsong next April. 

For full results and more information about the Georgia PGA, visit www.georgiapga.com.