'PGA First Victory' Im Sung-jae: "Comfort to the People Suffering from COVID-19"

Im Sung-jae is kissing the trophy immediately after winning the Honda Classic. Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, USA = Getty Images / Photo by Multibits

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] "I am happy to share news that all Koreans can be proud of."

'Honda Classic Champ' Im Sung-jae (22, CJ Logistics) conveyed words of comfort to the people suffering from the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). After winning the PGA Tour Honda Classic (total prize money $7 million) held at PGA National Golf Club (Par 70, 7,125 yards) in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, USA, on the 2nd (Korean time), he said, "Many people in Korea are struggling with COVID-19 right now," and "I hope this victory can be a comfort."

Im Sung-jae was the PGA Tour Rookie of the Year last year. This was his 50th PGA Tour event since joining, and he became the 7th Korean champion in history, following K.J. Choi (50, SK Telecom), Yang Yong-eun (48), Bae Sang-moon (34), Noh Seung-yul (29), Kim Si-woo (25), and Kang Sung-hoon (33, CJ Logistics). He explained, "I think I finished today's game well by using my experience of frequently being in the top ranks," and "My fade shot on the 15th hole (Par 3) went well, which led to a good result."

He showed a strong competitive spirit in times of crisis. At the PGA National, the most difficult holes are the 15th to 17th, known as the 'Bear Trap,' where he made two birdies. Im Sung-jae said, "I achieved the victory with a birdie on the 15th hole, a par on the 16th hole (Par 4), and a birdie on the 17th hole (Par 3)." He added, "I made mistakes on the 15th and 17th holes over the past three days, but today I played aggressively, and it went well as I intended," analyzing the driving force behind his win.

Regarding Mackenzie Hughes (Canada) making a birdie on the 17th hole to tie for the lead, he recalled, "It woke me up," and "So I thought I definitely wanted to make the birdie putt too." On the final 18th hole (Par 5), Im Sung-jae also saved par by hitting a bunker shot to within less than 1 meter of the hole. He cheered, "My bunker shots were good this week, so I hit confidently," and "I am truly grateful to have won so early."

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