Sungjae Im 21st "Caught in the bunker trap"... Smith wins in a playoff

Sony Open Final Day "Top 10 Missed", Smith Scores 'Winning Par' on First Playoff Hole, Steele 2nd

Im Sung-jae is making a bunker shot on the 9th hole on the final day of the Sony Open. Honolulu, Hawaii, USA = Getty Images / Multibits

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "The trap of the bunker."

Im Sung-jae (22, CJ Logistics)'s challenge for the 'Top 10' was blocked by a triple bogey on the final 16th hole (par 4). On the 13th (Korean time) at the Waialae Golf Club in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA (par 70, 7,044 yards), the final day of the PGA Tour Sony Open (total prize money $6.6 million), he lost one stroke and fell to a tie for 21st place (5 under par, 275 strokes). Cameron Smith (Australia) won with a come-from-behind victory (11 under par, 269 strokes). This is his second career win in 2 years and 9 months since the Zurich Classic in April 2017, with a winner's prize of $1,188,000 (?1.372 billion).

Im Sung-jae started tied for 7th place, 6 strokes behind, and recorded 4 birdies, 2 bogeys, and 1 triple bogey. The 16th hole became a 'devil hole.' It was especially disappointing because his tee shot flew as far as 303 yards and landed on the fairway. His second shot landed in a greenside bunker, and after three bunker shots, he barely succeeded in reaching the green in 5 shots. However, misfortune struck again as his 0.7m double bogey putt missed the hole.

Smith recorded 2 under par to tie with Brendan Steele (USA), and on the first hole of the playoff resumed at the 10th hole (par 4), he finally made the 'winning par.' His trouble shot from the right side of the fairway between trees aiming for the green was impressive. Webb Simpson (USA) finished 3rd (10 under par, 270 strokes). He failed to advance to the playoff after making par for six consecutive holes starting from the 13th hole (par 4). Two-time champion Brendan Todd (USA) remained tied for 21st place (5 under par, 275 strokes).

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.