Im Sungjae 'Is Back'... "Here to Defend PO Ranking No.1~"

At the Charles Schwab Challenge, "Advancing with 2 Wins," World No.1 McIlroy and All Top 5 Players Compete in the "Battle of the Stars"

'Honda Classic champ' Im Sung-jae challenges for his second win of the season at the Charles Schwab Challenge.

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "The wait is over."

'PO Ranking No.1' Im Sung-jae (22, CJ Logistics) is making his comeback. The Charles Schwab Challenge (total prize money $7.5 million), part of the PGA Tour, opens on the night of the 11th (Korean time) at Colonial Golf Club in Fort Worth, Texas (par 70, 7,209 yards). This tournament marks the resumption of the season, which was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic right after The Players Championship in March. With all the 'Top 5' players, including world No.1 Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland), entering the competition, the atmosphere is heating up.

▲ Im Sung-jae: "I called my winning caddie" = Last year, Im Sung-jae became the first Asian player to win the PGA Tour Rookie of the Year award. It's fascinating that Im played as many as 35 tournaments, demonstrating his iron stamina. Leading with seven top-10 finishes, including a tie for 3rd at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, he was the only rookie to advance to the Tour Championship, the final third playoff event, showcasing his presence. In March, he finally secured his first PGA Tour victory at the Honda Classic.

Following in the footsteps of Korean champions such as 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), Im Sung-jae became the seventh Korean champion in history. With a tie for 3rd at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, he also took over the PO No.1 spot. Currently, he ranks 2nd in the money list with $3.86 million. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has put a halt to the season. With his pursuit of a second win, and the competition for PO and money list No.1 intertwined, this tournament has become even more important.

Im Sung-jae also expressed his desire to "maintain the PO No.1 position," revealing his hunter instinct. Standing 183 cm tall and weighing 90 kg, he relies on his average 303.2-yard long drives. His greens in regulation rate is 68.62% (ranked 61st), and his 'stingy putting'?averaging 1.72 putts per hole (ranked 18th)?is especially powerful. He has called upon caddie Alvin Choi, who helped him win the Honda Classic recently, to strengthen his team. Korea will also be represented by An Byeong-hun (29), Kim Si-woo, Kang Sung-hoon, and Lee Kyoung-hoon (29).

World No. 1 Rory McIlroy has announced that he will participate in the PGA Tour for three consecutive weeks starting from the Charles Schwab Challenge.

▲ McIlroy vs. Rahm: "The battle for No.1 begins" = Locally, the spotlight is on the 'war of the stars' featuring McIlroy, Jon Rahm (Spain), Brooks Koepka, Justin Thomas, and Dustin Johnson (all from the U.S.). This is the first time since 1986 that all 'Top 5' players are participating in this tournament. "Because we are hungry for golf," said McIlroy. He has even declared participation in three consecutive weeks: the RBC Heritage on the 18th (total prize $7.1 million) and the Travelers Championship on the 25th (total prize $7.4 million).

McIlroy is the strongest favorite to win. Last year, he swept three victories and was named 'Player of the Year.' He secured an early win in the 2020 season with a tie for 3rd at the Zozo Championship in October and a victory at the HSBC Champions in November after a playoff against Xander Schauffele (U.S.). In January, he tied for 3rd at the Farmers Open; in February, tied for 5th at the Genesis; 5th at the Mexico Championship; and tied for 5th at the Arnold Palmer Invitational in March?an astonishing record of six consecutive top-5 finishes.

While Rahm hovered near the top with a 2nd place at the Farmers Open and a tie for 3rd at the Mexico Championship, Koepka is urgently trying to escape a slump. For Im Sung-jae, Justin Thomas's performance is crucial. Thomas has already won twice this season?at The CJ Cup in October and the Sentry Tournament in January?and currently ranks 1st in money and 2nd in PO. Kevin Na (U.S.) is the defending champion. Past champions such as Jordan Spieth (U.S., 2016) and Justin Rose (England, 2018) are also eyeing opportunities to win again.

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