Johnson vs McDowell "Return Match at Pebble Beach"... What About Mickelson?

Clash at AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Mickelson 'Title Defense', Korea's Kang Sung-hoon "Memories of Peninsula"

World No. 5 Dustin Johnson is aiming for his first win of the 2020 season at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "Return match."

World No. 5 Dustin Johnson (USA) and 'Saudi Champ' Graeme McDowell (Northern Ireland) will clash this time on the U.S. PGA Tour. The showdown takes place on the night of the 6th (Korean time) at Pebble Beach Golf Links (par 72, 6,816 yards) in Pebble Beach, California, USA, where the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am (total prize money $7.8 million) opens. The starting point is that Johnson’s defense of his European Tour Saudi International title was thwarted by McDowell.

Johnson made two eagles on the final day of the Saudi International, which ended on the 3rd, but finished second. McDowell entered the PGA Tour to set up a rematch. Johnson is pleased because this tournament has been a winning ground where he achieved back-to-back victories in 2009 and 2010. In particular, in 2009, he became the third 'multiple winner' under 25 in PGA Tour history. He has shown especially strong performances with a tie for 5th in 2012, tie for 2nd in 2014, tie for 4th in 2015, 3rd in 2017, and tie for 2nd in 2018.

This is why experts have named Johnson the top favorite to win. It is worth noting that this tournament features the first three rounds played in a pro-am format alongside world-class sports stars, singers, and actors. After rotating through three courses including Spyglass Hill (par 72, 6,953 yards) and Monterey Peninsula (par 71, 6,958 yards), the final day returns to Pebble Beach Golf Links. Johnson adds to the news every year by playing alongside his famous father-in-law, ice hockey legend Wayne Gretzky.

'Saudi Champ' Graeme McDowell challenges for '2 consecutive wins' at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.

McDowell’s form is formidable. Riding the momentum of his 11 career European Tour wins, he is challenging for 'back-to-back wins' in two consecutive weeks. On the PGA Tour, he is aiming for his 5th career win after a 1 year and 11 months gap since the Corales Puntacana Resort & Club Championship last March. Jason Day (Australia) is another contender. After tuning his competitive shot form with a tie for 16th at last month’s Farmers Insurance Open, he is making his second start of the 2020 season.

Locally, the spotlight is on whether defending champion Phil Mickelson (USA) will claim his sixth victory. He has already collected five titles in 1998, 2005, 2007, 2012, and 2019. He recalls the thrilling memory of a 3-stroke victory after a five-day battle last year. Mickelson also warmed up by finishing 3rd on his Saudi expedition. Past champions such as Jordan Spieth in 2017 and Ted Potter Jr. (both USA) in 2018 are dark horses.

Korea’s vanguard is Kang Sung-hoon (33, CJ Logistics). He boasts perfect chemistry with the course, having shot an incredible 11-under-par 60 at Monterey Peninsula in 2016. At that time, he set the course record by adding nine birdies and an eagle on the 16th hole (par 5). It remains a regret that he missed the 'dream 59' by making par on the final 9th hole (par 3). 'Tank' K.J. Choi (50, SK Telecom) is backing him up. Kim Si-woo (25) and Lee Kyung-hoon (29, both CJ Logistics) are urgently seeking to break out of their slumps.

Kang Sung-hoon is eyeing his second career win at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.

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