'Teen Sensation' Kim Min-gyu "This Time?"... Lee Tae-hee's 'Title Defense'

Maekyung Open Opens on 21st, Prize Money Leader Kim Seong-hyun vs 3rd Place Lee Soo-min 'Race for 2 Wins', Kim Bi-o 'Special Pardon'

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "Monday qualifiers, top 5 from the previous tournament, recommended players."

The '19-year-old young gun' Kim Min-gyu (19, CJ Logistics, photo) has various eligibility criteria to participate in the Korean Tour. He gained attention by winning twice on the 2017 European EuroPro (3rd tier) Tour, and in 2018, he immediately moved up to the Challenge (2nd tier) Tour, setting the record as the youngest winner (17 years and 64 days) at the Czech Challenge, marking him as a next-generation prospect. After returning home due to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), he caused a stir by finishing runner-up consecutively at the Gunsan CC Open on the 12th and the KPGA Open on the 19th of last month.

At the KPGA Open, he especially agonized after missing a 2-meter eagle putt for victory on the 17th hole (par 5) on the final day. It is interesting that Kim Min-gyu still does not have a tour card. Fortunately, this time he received an invitation. It is for the GS Caltex Maekyung Open (total prize money 1 billion KRW), held on the 21st at Elysian Gangchon Golf Club (par 70, 7,001 yards) in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province. Originally, the event was to be co-hosted by the Korea Golf Association (KGA) and the Asian Professional Golfers Association (APGA) in May, but it was postponed by three months due to COVID-19 and reduced to three rounds.

The competition for the championship is naturally fierce. Moreover, this tournament is a premium event with a total prize fund of 1 billion KRW. Defending champion Lee Tae-hee (36) is aiming to defend his title, and last year's money leader Lee Soo-min (27) is already hunting for his second win. Kim Sung-hyun (22) has joined the 'two-win race.' He won the first major of the 2020 KPGA season, the KPGA Championship, on the 9th, instantly rising to the ranks of major champions. He currently leads the money rankings with 190 million KRW.

Last year's 'Player of the Year' Moon Kyung-jun (38), and the two-time consecutive 'Player of the Year' winner in 2016-2017, Choi Jin-ho (36, Hyundai Steel), are among the strong contenders. Park Sang-hyun (37, Dong-A Pharmaceutical) and Kim Kyung-tae (34) are aiming to become the first 'three-time champions' of this tournament. The return of Kim Bi-o (30) is a hot topic off the course. Last September, he caused controversy by making a 'finger gesture' towards the gallery on the final day of the Volvik Daegu Gyeongbuk Open. Originally banned for three years, his suspension was reduced to one year and then he was granted a special pardon.

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