"Major Sanangkkoon" Kepka's Comeback: "No COVID-19"... Choi Kyung-ju Leads the Charge

Seven of the Top 15 Including Rahm, Simpson, and Thomas Compete as Invited Champions at Workday Charity Open

Brooks Koepka challenges to become the inaugural champion at the Workday Charity Open.

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] It is the comeback match for Brooks Koepka (USA), ranked 6th in the world.

On the night of the 9th (Korean time), the PGA Tour Workday Charity Open (total prize money $6.2 million) opens at Muirfield Village in Dublin, Ohio (par 72, 7,392 yards). This newly established tournament fills the gap left by the cancellation of the John Deere Classic due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Seven of the 'Top 15' players, including world No. 2 Jon Rahm (Spain), No. 4 Webb Simpson, and No. 5 Justin Thomas (both USA), are participating.

The course is interesting as it is the battleground of the Memorial Tournament hosted by the 'Living Legend' Jack Nicklaus (USA). The PGA Tour will be held for two consecutive weeks, including next week's Memorial Tournament. The main point of interest is Koepka's pursuit of victory. Known as the 'Major Killer,' he has won 7 career titles, including 4 majors. Last year, he showed exceptional charisma by finishing in the top 5 in all four majors, including defending his PGA Championship title, runner-up finishes at the Masters and US Open, and a tie for 4th at The Open.

Since undergoing left knee surgery last October, Koepka has focused on rehabilitation and training, gradually regaining his former form. He was performing well with a tie for 32nd at the Charles Schwab Challenge and 7th at the RBC Heritage last month, but unfortunately was sidelined by COVID-19. He withdrew from the Travelers Championship after his caddie tested positive. Skipping last week's Rocket Mortgage Classic, he is now challenging for victory again at this tournament.

He has recovered his long-driving ability, ranking 17th in average drive distance (308.8 yards). A win would mark his first victory since the World Golf Championships (WGC) St. Jude Invitational in July last year. He is grouped with Justin Thomas and Jason Day (Australia). The participation of his younger brother Chase Koepka (USA) is a hot topic off the course. After his caddie tested positive for COVID-19, Chase selflessly withdrew from the Travelers Championship as a precaution and received a special entry into this event.

Hideki Matsuyama is a strong favorite to win the Workday Charity Open.

Hideki Matsuyama (Japan) is predicted to be No. 1 in the PGA Tour 'Power Rankings.' He is the 2014 Memorial Tournament champion. "Matsuyama has finished in the top 10 several times on this course," and it is noted that "the greens are similar to Japanese grass." Past champions such as Justin Rose (England), Matt Kuchar, and Steve Stricker have joined, while Jordan Spieth, Rickie Fowler, and Phil Mickelson (all USA) are also looking for opportunities.

Patrick Cantlay (USA), last year's Memorial Tournament champion, is a dark horse. Matthew Wolff (USA), known for his 'twist swing,' plans to shake off the disappointment of finishing runner-up last week. Leading the Korean contingent is K.J. Choi (50, SK Telecom), the 2007 Memorial Tournament champion. Other Korean players entering include Im Sung-jae (22), ranked 3rd in the PO rankings, Kim Si-woo (25), Kang Sung-hoon (33), Lee Kyoung-hoon (29), An Byeong-hun (29, CJ Logistics), and Noh Seung-yul (29, Isu Group).

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