Kang Seonghun "Targeting Niche Markets"... "Who is the Last Early Bird?"

'Autumn Series' Final Stage at RSM Classic Seeks Reversal, Streb Aims for 2nd Consecutive Win, Kisner and Scheffler Join

Kang Sung-hoon aims to change the atmosphere in the final stage of the "Autumn Series" at the RSM Classic.

[Asia Economy Golf Specialist Reporter Kim Hyun-jun] It is Kang Sung-hoon (34)'s niche market strategy.

The 9th event of the 2021/2022 PGA Tour season, the RSM Classic (total prize money $7.2 million), which opens on the night of the 18th (Korean time) at the Seaside Course (par 70, 7,005 yards) of Sea Island Resort in Georgia, USA, is the final stage of the 'fall series.' The PGA Tour will take a break after this and resume from the Sentry Tournament held in Hawaii on January 6 next year. Defending champion Robert Streb (USA) is aiming to defend his title.

Kang Sung-hoon is the winner of the AT&T Byron Nelson in May 2019. He joined the PGA Tour in 2011 and became a PGA Tour champion after a long wait of 8 years and 159 events. At that time, he overcame various adverse conditions such as rain delays and sunset suspensions, which brought him even more spotlight. The following week, he showed his potential for a major win by finishing 7th at the second major, the PGA Championship. Last February, he gained momentum with a runner-up finish at the Genesis Invitational.

However, this year he has been in a slump, missing the cut 17 times in 31 tournaments. He is struggling due to decreased accuracy, with a fairway hit rate of 55.50% (171st on the PGA Tour) and an iron shot green hit rate of 62.02% (185th). Since September, he has played in 7 events in the new season but has yet to break into the top 25. Recent situations such as missing the cut at the World Wide Technology on the 7th and withdrawing from the Houston Open that ended on the 15th indicate a further decline. Changing the momentum is urgent.

Robert Streb has entered to defend his RSM Classic title.

Locally, attention is focused on Streb's 'bid for a second consecutive win.' He has won twice at this tournament alone, first in 2014 (McGladrey Classic) and last year, making it truly his 'promised land.' Kevin Kisner has a special story, winning in 2015 and losing in a playoff to Streb in 2019. The rise of world No. 17 Scottie Scheffler (both from the USA) is remarkable, with a 4th place at the World Wide Technology and a tie for 2nd at the Houston Open. Adam Scott (Australia) and Justin Rose (England) have also joined the competition for the title.

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