Siwoo Kim "Revenge in Texas After 2 Years"... What About 'Home Course' Spieth?

‘Masters Prelude’ Valero Texas Open Entry, Knost 'Title Defense', Scheffler Joins as 'Dell Match Runner-up'

Siwoo Kim aims for a "2019 revenge match" at the Texas Open with ballet.

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "Waited for 2 years."

‘American Express Champ’ Kim Si-woo (26) has stepped up for the ‘Texas Rematch.’ On the night of the 1st (Korean time), at the San Antonio Golf Club in Texas, USA (par 72, 7,435 yards), the PGA Tour Valero Texas Open (total prize money $7.7 million) begins its grand journey. This is the place where he suffered a painful reversal after leading by one stroke on the final day in 2019 but faltered with an even-par finish. Last year, the tournament was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kim Si-woo made a hole-in-one on the 16th hole (par 3) on the second day back then. Although he lacked the final ‘2%,’ this year is different. In January, he recorded his third career win in 3 years and 8 months at the American Express, and he is riding a wave of momentum with a tie for 9th place at The Players Championship, known as the ‘5th Major,’ which ended on the 15th. It is welcome news that most world stars have taken a break ahead of next week’s Masters. The PGA Tour also ranked him as the ‘9th favorite to win.’

Defending champion Corey Conners (Canada) is aiming to defend his title. He recalls the thrilling drama of rising to the top through Monday qualifying. ‘Texas boy’ Jordan Spieth’s form is formidable. Born in Texas and a graduate of the University of Texas, he has been in a slump for four years since the Open in July 2017 but has recently entered revival mode with four top-10 finishes in the last six tournaments. He is the strongest favorite to win.

Scottie Scheffler, runner-up at the World Golf Championships (WGC) Dell Technologies Match Play that ended on the 29th, still has his shot touch, and Matt Kuchar has joined the competition for the title. Rickie Fowler (both from the USA) desperately needs a ‘Masters ticket.’ Dropped to 94th in the world rankings, his streak of 11 consecutive appearances is in jeopardy. Korea will be represented by An Byeong-hun (30), Kang Sung-hoon (34), Lee Kyoung-hoon (30, all from CJ Logistics), Noh Seung-yul (31), and Choi Kyung-ju (51, SK Telecom).

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