Sungjae Im "No.1 in American Express Power Rankings"... What About Seungyul Noh?

Mickelson Hosts, Long Aims for 'Title Defense', No Seung-yeol Returns from Military Service for 'PGA Tour Comeback'

Sungjae Im challenges for his first PGA Tour victory at the American Express.

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "Power Ranking No. 1."

That is Im Sung-jae (22, CJ Logistics). The PGA Tour identified him as the strongest contender for victory ahead of the American Express (total prize money $6.7 million), which opens on the night of the 16th (Korean time) at the La Quinta Stadium Course (par 72, 7,113 yards) in California, USA. This is the stage where Adam Long (USA) achieved his first win in only his sixth PGA Tour appearance last year (Desert Classic). The tournament name changed this year due to a new title sponsor.

Im Sung-jae became the first Asian player to win Rookie of the Year last year. He was the only rookie to advance to the Tour Championship, the final third playoff (PO) event, gaining momentum. His strong stamina was evident as he played in as many as 35 tournaments, combined with consistency by finishing in the 'Top 10' seven times. The 2020 season also gained momentum with a runner-up finish at the Sanderson Farms in September and a tie for third at the Zozo Championship in October. Finishing tied for 21st at the Sony Open, which ended on the 13th, is encouraging as it shows he has already tuned his competitive shot sense.

For Im Sung-jae, it was rather regrettable that a triple bogey on the 16th hole (par 4) in the final 4th round caused him to miss the 'Top 10.' Moreover, this tournament is played in a pro-am format where amateur golfers accompany professionals for the first three rounds. The event rotates through three different courses: La Quinta Course (par 72, 7,060 yards), Tournament Course (par 72, 7,159 yards), and on the final day returns to the Stadium Course to stage the final battle for the championship.

It is welcome news that world stars such as Brooks Koepka (USA), world No. 1, will participate in the European Tour Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship (total prize money $7 million) held at Abu Dhabi Golf Club (par 72, 7,583 yards) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) during the same period. For now, Ricky Fowler (USA), ranked 22nd, is a player to watch. Locally, the atmosphere has heated up with franchise star Phil Mickelson (USA), an Arizona State University alumnus, hosting the event.

Long is dreaming of 'hunting two rabbits' ? defending his title and securing his second career win. Korea starts 2020 with An Byeong-hun (29) and Kim Si-woo (25, both CJ Logistics). Domestic fans are also interested in the return of No Seung-yeol (29). He enlisted in November 2017 and served as a full-time reservist for 1 year and 8 months, then was discharged in August last year. Saying "I like the Stadium Course," he renewed his determination, stating, "I will make a bold move early in the season."

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