Siwoo Kim "To Target Niche Market"... Kaimer Launches

'Modified Stableford' Barracuda Championship Entry, Merritt's 'Revenge Match', Lee Kyoung-hoon and Bae Sang-moon Join

Siwoo Kim aims to target a 'niche market' at the Barracuda Championship.

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] It is Kim Si-woo's (25, CJ Logistics) 'revenge'.

The Barracuda Championship (total prize money $3.5 million) of the PGA Tour, held at the Tahoe Mountain Golf Course in Truckee, California (par 71, 7,390 yards) on the night of the 30th (Korean time), is a fierce battleground. World stars are participating in the World Golf Championships (WGC) FedEx St. Jude Invitational (total prize money $10.5 million) during the same period, making the competition for the championship relatively easier. The spoils, including a two-year PGA Tour card, are similar.

It is famous for its unique format called 'Modified Stableford.' Scores are converted into points. An albatross (double eagle) is worth 8 points, an eagle 5 points, a birdie 2 points, par 0 points, bogey -1 point, and double bogey or worse -3 points. You can see exciting 'aggressive golf.' Kim Si-woo was the protagonist who caused a sensation by passing the PGA Tour Qualifying (Q) School at the young age of just 17 in 2012. He earned his first career victory at the Wyndham Championship in August 2016.

In May 2017, he won The Players Championship, known as the 'fifth major,' and quickly rose to world stardom. However, he has been suffering from a severe win drought since his second victory. This season is even more serious. In 20 tournaments, he has not entered the 'top 10' even once. His best result this season is a tie for 11th place at last month's Travelers Championship. He ranks 129th in the money list ($517,789). His shot accuracy has declined, making it difficult to create birdie opportunities.

The fortunate thing is that he showed signs of revival at last week's 3M Open. Although he slipped to a tie for 46th place with a final round of 1-over par, he demonstrated resilience by shooting 6-under par in the second round and 3-under par in the third round. The revival of his main weapon, the 'computer iron shot,' is key. He is determined to "change the atmosphere by taking advantage of the absence of top players." Korea is represented by Lee Kyoung-hoon (29, CJ Logistics), and Bae Sang-moon (34) is also dreaming of an upset.

Martin Kaymer will participate in his first PGA Tour event of the year at the Barracuda Championship. Photo by PGA Tour website

Colin Morikawa (USA), who won his first career victory last year, gave up defending his title to participate in the FedEx St. Jude Invitational. Troy Merritt (USA) is aiming for revenge after finishing as runner-up. He led by 2 points until the third round but unfortunately lost the lead. Martin Kaymer (Germany), a two-time major champion, is making his PGA Tour debut. Chad Campbell (USA), who set the course record with 22 points in 2018, is a 'dark horse.'

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