'First Victory' Lee Kyung-hoon "I Will Also Participate in the Dreamed-Of Masters"... "Over 300 Congratulatory Messages"

AT&T Byron Nelson Victory Secures Seed Through 2022/2023, Norman and Weir 'Congratulate Win', Tokyo Olympics Appearance 'Hope Song'

Lee Kyung-hoon is hugging his wife Yoo Ju-yeon right after winning the AT&T Byron Nelson. McKinney, Texas, USA = Getty Images / Multibits Photo by Multibits

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] "I received about 300 congratulatory messages."

It is a happy time for Lee Kyeong-hoon (30, CJ Logistics), who won his first victory on the U.S. Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) Tour. In an online interview with Korean media organized by the PGA Tour on the 18th (Korean time), he said, "It feels like a dream, and I was so happy that time passed quickly," adding, "Since I was moving immediately to participate in the PGA Championship, time passed even faster." The day before, he lifted the winner's trophy at the AT&T Byron Nelson after 80 PGA Tour events.

This is his first regular tour win in five years since joining the PGA Tour in 2016. It was also a great gift to his wife Yoo Ju-yeon, who is expecting a baby in July, and his family. Lee Kyeong-hoon, who said, "With this win, I can enter many tournaments," happily added, "I can now participate not only in the Masters, which I have dreamed of, but also in tournaments with only 70 to 80 players. New goals keep coming up, so it feels more fun and exciting."

He has secured his PGA Tour card through the 2022/2023 season. He will also participate in the second major of the season, the PGA Championship, which starts on the 20th, on his own merit. It is his first win in almost five years since the 2016 Korean Open. "I received about 300 congratulatory messages overnight," he boasted, "Players like Greg Norman (Australia) and Mike Weir (Canada) left congratulatory messages on social media." He recalled the first year he spent in the U.S. as the most difficult time.

"I played in about a dozen tournaments but only earned $5,000 (5.7 million KRW) and even lost my tour card," he said, "Then I came to the Korean Open, won, and gained the courage to challenge again." His world ranking rose to 59th, creating a possibility to participate in the Tokyo Olympics in July. "I hadn't thought about the Olympics until now," he said modestly, "Many people talk about the Olympics, but right now, I think if I play well in every tournament, the opportunity will come."

He is currently ranked 29th in the PGA Tour FedEx Cup standings. "My goal is to work hard this year to finish within the top 30 and advance to the final event, the Tour Championship," he said, "I also want to achieve good results at The CJ Cup, a tournament sponsored by my sponsor." He will compete in the PGA Championship, which opens at Kiawah Island Resort in South Carolina, USA. "The weather here is good, so it's also good for managing my condition," he said, "I will take care of my body to perform well from the first round."

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