Kim Chan's Two Rabbits: "From Title Defense to Prize Money King"

JGTO 2020/2021 Season Final JT Cup: Back-to-Back Title Defense, Horikawa's Bid for Second Consecutive Win, Kinoshita and Kanaya Compete for Victory

Kim Chan competed to defend his JT Cup title in the final event of the JGTO 2020/2021 season.

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] "From title defense to prize money king."

It is Kim Chan (USA)'s 'hunting two rabbits at once.' The final event of the 2020/2021 season of the Japan Professional Golf Tour (JGTO), the JT Cup (total prize money 130 million yen), is held on the 2nd at Yomiuri Golf Club in Tokyo, Japan (par 70, 7,023 yards). Due to the impact of COVID-19 last year, only six tournaments were held, so this year’s tournament is included to be played as a combined season. Only 30 players have entered this 'champion of champions' event, with a winner's prize of 40 million yen (420 million won).

Kim Chan is a long hitter who boasts a height of 1.88m and a weight of 105kg, hitting over 320 yards on average. His average head speed is 125 mph, and ball speed is 185 mph. Born in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, he immigrated to Hawaii at the age of two. He started golf at age 12, showed promise during his time at Arizona State University, and turned professional in 2010. He played on the European, Canadian, and Asian tours but was unable to achieve good results due to overlapping back injuries.

After moving to Japan in 2015, things changed. He swept three wins in 2017 and captured a major at the Japan Open in 2019. In last year’s tournament, he started the final day tied for third place, two strokes behind, and shot 3-under par to complete a come-from-behind victory. This year, he also topped the podium at the Vantelin Tokai Classic in October and the Dunlop Phoenix Open last month. This marks his third win of the combined season and his seventh career JGTO victory. He has finished in the top 10 eight times in 19 tournaments.

Kim Chan currently leads the prize money ranking (112,649,991 yen), ranks fifth in average score (70.34), and is sixth in Mercedes-Benz Total Points (201 points), which is equivalent to the MVP points. He is second in average driving distance (307.12 yards), ninth in greens in regulation (70.11%), and 14th in putts per hole (1.7539), showing promise. His aggressive play style leads him to be first in the number of birdies per round (4.37). Additionally, the confidence from last year’s victory at the 'Promised Land' is a bonus.

Horikawa Mikumu (Japan) is challenging for a second consecutive win. He gained momentum by securing his second career win at last week’s Casio World Open. Prize money second place Kinoshita Ryosuke (111,008,655 yen) and third place Kanaya Takumi (109,803,605 yen, both Japan) are aiming for the 'come-from-behind prize money king.' Hoshino Rikuya (Japan) is a strong favorite for the title. With three wins, he ranks fourth in prize money (93,712,479 yen). Two-time champion Scott Vincent (Zimbabwe) is also a dark horse.

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