Im Sungjae '49 Attempts 50th Try'... "The Decisive Moment is Definitely Bear Trap~"

1 Under Par Over Four Days on the Most Difficult 15th to 17th Holes, Consecutive 'Big Par' on the Final 18th Hole

Im Sung-jae is cheering after his tee shot landed close to the hole on the 15th hole, where the 'Bear Trap' begins, on the final day of the Honda Classic. Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, USA = Getty Images / Multibits Photo by Getty Images

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] 'Bear Trap.'

Im Sung-jae (22, CJ Logistics) secured two birdies at the notoriously difficult 15th to 17th holes, known as the 'Bear Trap,' at the PGA Tour Honda Classic (total prize money $7 million) held at PGA National Golf Club in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, USA (par 70, 7,125 yards) on the 2nd (Korean time), gaining momentum toward victory. The birdies came on the 15th and 17th holes. Both are par 3 holes, where his pinpoint iron shots landed within 2 meters of the hole.

Designed by Jack Nicklaus (USA) during the 2001 course renovation, the Bear Trap was modeled after the 'Amen Corner' of Augusta National's 11th to 13th holes, the Masters venue. At the 15th hole, a large bear statue and a friendly (?) sign stating "You have now entered the Bear Trap" have been installed. The 16th hole is a par 4, famously known for its 'fearsome water hazard.' Since 2007, among 543 players who have competed over 13 years, 76% (415 players) have hit at least one ball into the water.

Gavin Coles (USA) is a notable victim. In the third round of 2007, he lost four balls consecutively in the 15th hole, resulting in an 8-over-par 11 strokes, a devastating 'Octuple Bogey.' This is why the saying "You can win just by making par" exists. It is interesting that Im Sung-jae scored 1-under-par over the four days. On the first day, he was 2-over-par including a bogey on the 16th hole; on the second day, he scored 4-under-par with consecutive birdies on the 15th and 16th holes; on the third day, he made bogeys consecutively on the 15th and 16th holes for an even par; and on the final day, he led with 'stepping stone birdies' on the 15th and 17th holes for 4-under-par.

The Bear Trap performance ultimately determines the victory. Im Sung-jae also said, "Today, I decided to play aggressively starting at the 15th hole," adding, "Fortunately, my shots landed well." The spectacular play on the final 18th hole (par 5) is also worth watching. Following birdies in the first and second rounds, in the third round, he holed a putt from off the green for a 'big par,' and on this day, his bunker shot just grazed the hole, easily securing the 'winning par.'

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