Yet trolling had become a genuine threat to Chun's well-being this year. However, rather than accusing her of being a bit of a dumbo, it instead affectionately referred to her nickname, Dumbo, given to her by her coach because she has exceptional ears like the Disney character (her hearing is apparently off the charts). To the uninitiated, it might almost read like internet trolling. Dumbo Fighting!' Behind Chun's shy smile was a golfer who had experienced the dark side of fan obsession and was damaged by it. But among those who have taken the game to their heart, the country's habit of going all-in has fueled both the rise of its women performers and also a community of fans who are passionate at best and intrusively crazed at worst.Дuring a final round 6-under 66 that saw Chun turn a two-shot deficit into a three-shot victory Sunday, her fans held a huge banner that proclaimed: 'LPGA Major Queen: In Gee Chun. Often in Seoul, mention of the sport gleans confusion, incomprehension or mocking laughter. It's not that South Korea is obsessed with golf. There was absolutely no doubt that she welcomed the fans' embrace of her, but behind the shy smile was a golfer who had experienced the dark side of this fan obsession and been damaged by it.

On every hole, they shouted her name and roared their approval of every birdie she made.ДЄnd yet throughout it all, there was a real sense that this gentle-natured 24-year-old was warily engaged in a battle. Many wore T-shirts or hats in honor of their hero. Instead, she frequently made short detours to accommodate as many raised palms as she could manage. Throughout the week, her fans lined the fairways, eager hands outstretched, and Chun made no attempt to avoid them.

INCHEON, South Korea - In completing a victory in the LPGA KEB Hana Bank Championship, In Gee Chun needed 272 shots, but even a conservative estimate would have the number of high-fives she engaged in with her adoring fans at double that.

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