Sungjae Im 5th Place "6-Under Par Finish..."... Can He Win the First Tournament of the New Year?

'Wangjungwangjeon' Century Tournament Day 3: Defending Champ Thomas Ties for 5th, 4 Strokes Behind Co-Leaders

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "Four birdies in the last five holes."

Im Sung-jae (23, CJ Logistics) showed remarkable stamina. On the 10th (Korean time) at the Plantation Golf Course of Kapalua Resort on Maui Island, Hawaii, USA (par 73, 7,518 yards), he performed well on the third day of the PGA Tour Sentry Tournament (total prize money $6.7 million), finishing tied for 5th place (17-under 202 strokes) with a 6-under par round. This is the "Tournament of Champions," where only the winners from 2021 and last year participate. Ryan Palmer and Harris English (both from the USA) share the lead (21-under 198 strokes).

Im Sung-jae started tied for 6th place, three strokes behind, and recorded one eagle, five birdies, and one bogey. He made an eagle with a '2-on 1-putt' on the 5th hole (par 5), and the bogey on the 8th hole (par 3) was recovered with a birdie on the 9th hole (par 5). The highlight was the three consecutive birdies from the 14th to 16th holes on the back nine. On the final 18th hole (par 5), he again made a birdie with a '2-on 2-putt.' His fairway hit rate was 86.67%, and green in regulation was 83.33%?a display of precise power. Additionally, he averaged 1.67 putts per hole, showing excellent putting skills.

Palmer posted a daily best of 9-under par. Collin Morikawa is in 3rd place (20-under 199 strokes), Daniel Berger 4th (18-under 201 strokes), and defending champion Justin Thomas (all from the USA) are tied for 5th, pushing for a 'second consecutive win.' World No. 1 Dustin Johnson (USA) and No. 2 Jon Rahm (Spain) are tied for 10th place (14-under 205 strokes). 'The Hulk' Bryson DeChambeau (USA) remained in 16th place (13-under 206 strokes).

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