[Masters] Im Sungjae's Father Delivers Perfect Shot in 'Par 3 Contest'... 'Disrupted by Severe Weather'

Im Sung-jae is looking at the course during the Masters 'Par 3 Contest'. Augusta, USA = Getty Images / Multibits Photo by Mulbitz

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] Im Sung-jae (24, CJ Logistics)'s father, Im Ji-taek, showcased a perfect shot on the Masters stage.

On the morning of the 7th (Korean time), a day before the opening, at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, USA (par 72, 7,510 yards), during the 'Masters Par 3 Contest,' known as the 'Masters Exhibition.' Mr. Im swung the club at the 9th hole instead of his son and landed the ball close to the hole, earning applause. He shyly said, "I haven't held a golf club for well over 10 years." The Par 3 Contest is a special event where players compete on nine par-3 holes set up right next to the regular course.

It has more of a family celebration atmosphere than a fierce competition for the championship. There is a 'jinx' that the winner of this event does not win the main tournament. The contest was not held for the past two years due to the spread of COVID-19. This year, it resumed after three years, and players who brought their family members as caddies enjoyed a pleasant time. Korean players participating this year, including Im Sung-jae, Kim Si-woo (27), and Lee Kyung-hoon (31, all CJ Logistics), all took part in the Par 3 Contest.

Im Sung-jae is smiling brightly at the moment of his father Im Ji-taek's tee shot in the Masters 'Par 3 Contest'.

Kim Si-woo, who has played in the Masters five times, had never participated before. He smiled, saying, "It was my first time, and the atmosphere was great and fun." Lee Kyung-hoon brought his father Lee Sang-moo, his wife Yoo Ju-yeon, and his daughter, who will turn one in July, all dressed in caddie uniforms. "I wanted to show my gratitude to my father and wife who have supported me," he said, adding with a smile, "My daughter probably won't remember, but if I show her the photos later, she might be proud of her dad."

Lee Min-woo was caddied by his older sister Lee Min-ji (also in Australia), who has six wins on the LPGA Tour. Lee Min-ji took several tee shots on behalf of her brother, skillfully landing the ball on the green. However, the festive atmosphere was cut short due to severe weather. The start was delayed by about an hour due to a lightning forecast, and just as the tournament mood was heating up, it was suspended due to bad weather and ultimately could not be completed.

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