‘Jjalsuni’ Kisner "The Reason She's Strong in Matches"..."Accurate Shots + Precise Putting"

Del Match Player: 2018 Runner-up, 2019 Champion, and Another Runner-up This Year, Averaging Only 289 Yards but "79.54% Greens in Regulation + 0.77 Strokes Gained Putting"

[Asia Economy Golf Specialist Reporter Kim Hyun-jun] "I like match play."

World No. 27 Kevin Kisner (photo) is particularly strong in match play. In the World Golf Championships (WGC) Dell Technologies Match Play (total prize money $12 million), the largest global series, he finished runner-up in 2018, won in 2019, and again finished runner-up this year. The top 64 ranked players are divided into 16 groups and play a group stage like the FIFA World Cup, with the group winners advancing to the round of 16 to compete in one-on-one matches. The 2020 event was canceled due to COVID-19, and last year he finished tied for 18th.

It is interesting that Kisner is known as a ‘short hitter’ on the PGA Tour. This season, his average driving distance is only 289.40 yards, ranking 170th. However, his fairway hit rate is up to 69.41% (5th), and his iron shot green in regulation rate is 70.54% (26th). This means his main weapon is accuracy. Additionally, he gains strokes on the green with a Strokes Gained Putting of 0.77 (5th), reducing his score by more than one stroke per round on average.

This is the exact opposite of the ‘casino invincibility theory’ of ‘The Hulk’ Bryson DeChambeau (also from the U.S.). Casinos never lose no matter how many people gather. Casinos have overwhelmingly more assets than individuals and apply slightly favorable game rules. DeChambeau became a power hitter by ‘bulking up’ his body weight by 18 kg. In 2020, he averaged 322.1 yards (1st), and last year he recorded an astonishing 323.7 yards (1st). He insists, "You have to hit far first to make the next shot easier."

Kisner, on the other hand, competes with precision. On par-5 holes, he focuses on ‘3-on 1-putt’ birdies rather than risky ‘2-on’ attempts. Above all, his persistent fighting spirit that clings until the end deserves attention. His round of 16 match against Adam Scott (Australia) is a prime example. After trailing by 3 holes through 14 holes, he won all of the last 4 holes from 15 to 18 to complete a dramatic 1-hole comeback. On the 16th hole (par 5), he even made a shot eagle. This is why next year’s tournament is already highly anticipated.

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