[Adieu 2021] Woods' 'Resurgence'... "This Year's Hot Issue in Global Golf?"

Ram vs Morikawa, Koda vs Ko Jin-young "Number 1 Competition Continues", Choi Kyung-ju First Korean to Win Champions Tour, Anna Lin Tops Q-Series

Tiger Woods is cheering as he competes in the PNC Championship for the first time in 10 months since his car accident last February.

[Asia Economy Golf Specialist Reporter Kim Hyun-jun, Reporter No Woo-rae] "The Return of the Golf Emperor."

The keyword in the global golf world in 2021 is undoubtedly Tiger Woods (USA). After a severe car accident in Los Angeles (LA) County, California, USA, in February, which caused significant damage to his vehicle, he returned to the spotlight by participating in the special event PNC Championship with his son Charlie after a full 10 months. The competition for the No. 1 world ranking among Jon Rahm (Spain), Collin Morikawa, Nelly Korda (both USA), and Ko Jin-young (26) heated up the field throughout the year. It is interesting that the domestic golf industry is booming despite the impact of COVID-19.

▲ Woods "Car Rollover Accident, and Resurrection"= American golf media are already on high alert for Woods' comeback timing. Distance on drive shots is still insufficient and distant. Woods himself said, "I need to build more power, including stamina and leg strength," and introduced, "I will practice hitting thousands, tens of thousands of balls to participate in the PGA Tour." Caddie LaCava conveyed news expecting a return after August.

▲ Rahm vs Morikawa "Number 1 Competition is Ongoing"= As of the 31st, Rahm is world No. 1. He set a new milestone as the first Spanish US Open champion in June. In 17 tournaments, he entered the ‘Top 10’ ten times and competed for the championship in every event. ‘Number 2’ Morikawa missed the last chance to leap to No. 1. Starting the Hero World Challenge final day with a 5-stroke lead, he lost the championship after a 4-over-par slump. They will clash again at the PGA Tour Sentry Tournament on January 6 next year.

Ko Jin-young set a new milestone as the 'three-year consecutive money leader' this year, leading with five wins on the LPGA Tour.

▲ Ko Jin-young "LPGA Tour Money Queen Three Consecutive Years"= Ko Jin-young showed remarkable stamina. She achieved back-to-back wins at the America Classic in July, Portland Classic in September, Founders Cup and BMW Ladies in October, and the season finale CME Group Tour Championship in November. She swept five wins in the last nine tournaments, topping the LPGA Tour in wins, earnings, and Player of the Year. Korda counters with four wins and a ‘Tokyo Olympic gold medal,’ continuing the fierce ‘Golf Empress War’ in 2022.

▲ Domestic Golf Industry "COVID-19 Boom and Golrini Power"= The adverse effects of COVID-19 have instead led to an unprecedented boom. Under strict social distancing and the impossibility of overseas golf travel, a large number of Golrini (Golf + Children) emerged, and both screen golf and golf courses are unable to meet the explosive demand. Golf clubs require months of waiting to purchase. Now, golf entertainment programs can be easily found even on terrestrial broadcasting.

'Hulk' Bryson DeChambeau transformed into the biggest power hitter on the PGA Tour last year after a massive 18kg bulk-up.

▲ DeChambeau "How Far Will the Long Drive Experiment Go?"= Bryson DeChambeau (USA) is currently the PGA Tour’s longest driver (average 323.7 yards). After gaining 18 kg last year in a ‘bulk up,’ he transformed into a power hitter, jumping from 302.5 yards (34th) in the 2019 season to 322.1 yards (1st) in 2020. During his Arnold Palmer Invitational win in March, he attempted a ‘one-shot on a par 5 hole’ at the fiercely contested Bay Hill Golf Club (par 72) 6th hole, stirring off-course controversy.

▲ Im Sung-jae "Already One Win in 2022 Season, Next Target is a Major"= Im Sung-jae secured one win already with the Shriners Children’s Open in October, which counts toward the 2022 season. It was his second career win after the Honda Classic in March 2020, marking a 1 year and 7 months gap, and he is confidently holding 3rd place in the Playoff (PO) rankings. Attention should be paid to the fact that he was the 2021 season’s birdie king (498). He revealed his hunter instinct, saying, "I will challenge multiple wins next year."

Choi Kyung-ju is taking a commemorative photo right after winning the PGA Champions Tour Pure Insurance in September.

▲ Choi Kyung-ju "First Korean to Win PGA Champions Tour"= Choi Kyung-ju (51, SK Telecom) built another milestone by winning the PGA Champions (Senior) Tour Pure Insurance in September. He moved to the US in 2000 and has eight career wins including the 2002 May Compaq Classic. Since last year, he has been competing in the Champions Tour for players aged 50 and above. Immediately after his win, he returned home to enjoy the joy with juniors at the KPGA Choi Kyung-ju Invitational, which he founded.

▲ Kim Joo-hyung "Youngest Triple Crown Winner on Korean Tour"= Kim Joo-hyung is the owner of the KPGA money title, MVP, and lowest scoring average, achieving the ‘Triple Crown.’ In July last year, he became the youngest champion (18 years and 21 days) at the KPGA Gunsan CC Open, and in June this year, he recorded his second win as a teenager at the SK Telecom Open. Since October, he has been relentlessly seeking entry into the world league by participating in the PGA Tour CJ Cup and attempting the Korn Ferry (2nd tier) Tour Qualifying Tournament (QT).

Minji Park swept up six wins, including one major victory in the 2021 season, rising to become the 'Queen of the KLPGA Tour.' Photo by KLPGA

▲ Park Min-ji "I am the Queen of the KLPGA Tour"= Park Min-ji (23, NH Investment & Securities) has dominated the Korean Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour. Including one major win, she achieved six wins, sweeping the most wins, money queen, and MVP. She set a rare record by surpassing 1.5 billion won in season earnings for the first time ever. Since August, her pace has relatively dropped, leaving some regret for not reaching Shin Ji-ae’s (33) season record of nine wins. She added her determination, saying, "I am focusing thoroughly on body management to run again."

▲ An Na-rin "Top of LPGA Tour Q-Series"= An Na-rin (25) topped the LPGA Tour Qualifying (Q) Series. Over the 1st and 2nd stages, she won by one stroke (33-under 541) across eight rounds. She debuted on the KLPGA Tour in 2017, succeeded after ‘92 attempts’ at the Otech Carrier Championship last October, and secured her second career win at the Hana Financial Group Championship in November. She fired up her fighting spirit, saying, "I will engrave the name An Na-rin on the new tour."

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