Lee Kyung-hoon "First Career Title Defense in Texas"... Opponent is World No.1 Scheffler

On the Night of the 12th, AT&T Byron Nelson Opens: "The Promised Land Where I Achieved My First PGA Tour Victory," with 'Texas Boy' Spieth Joining

Lee Kyung-hoon will defend his title at the AT&T Byron Nelson, which opens on the night of the 12th.

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] This is Lee Kyung-hoon's (31, CJ Logistics) first title defense.

The AT&T Byron Nelson (total prize money $9.1 million), opening on the night of the 12th (Korean time) at Craig Ranch Golf Course in McKinney, Texas (par 72, 7,468 yards), is the "promised land" where he secured his first PGA Tour victory last year. He maintained an upward trend with 7-under par on the first and second days, 5-under par on the third day, and despite a 2 hour and 30 minute suspension due to lightning on the final day, he added 6-under par to clinch a commanding 3-stroke victory.

Lee Kyung-hoon had previously won twice on the Japan Golf Tour (JGTO) with the Nagashima Shigeo Cup in 2012 and the Honma Tour World Cup in 2015, and achieved back-to-back victories at the Korean Open, considered Korea's national title, in 2016 and 2017. It is remarkable that he crossed over to the U.S. in 2019 as the 5th ranked money leader on the Korn Ferry (second-tier) Tour in 2018 and became the 8th Korean champion in history after exactly 80 events. After suffering three consecutive missed cuts recently, he warmed up with a tie for 25th place at the Wells Fargo Championship on the 9th.

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler is already aiming for his fifth win of the season at the AT&T Byron Nelson.

Number 1 Scotty Scheffler is the player to watch. He is the new "Golf Emperor," having won four times in his last seven tournaments, including the 2022 season's first major, the Masters. He is dominating all individual titles including wins, world ranking (9.83 points), earnings ($10.14 million), and FedEx Cup points (2,788). Already motivated by the pursuit of a fifth win and preparing for next week's second major, the PGA Championship, he is in top form.

"Texas boy" Jordan Spieth is aiming for back-to-back wins following his victory at the RBC Heritage on the 18th of last month. It is worth noting his particular strength on Texas soil, including last April's Valero Texas Open. Justin Thomas is eager for his first win of the season. In 11 events, he has six top-10 finishes but is just "2%" short. Dustin Johnson's first start since his wedding last month is also interesting. He got engaged to Polina, daughter of 2013 ice hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, and they are raising two sons aged seven and four.

Sam Burns and Patton Kizzire (both from the U.S.) are dark horses. Burns recorded 10-under par in the second round last year, and Kizzire posted a 9-under par daily best on the final day, showing they have mastered the strategy perfectly suited to Craig Ranch. For Korea, Kang Sung-hoon (35) reminisces about his thrilling "158 attempts, 159th success" at Trinity Forest in 2019, although on a different course. Kim Si-woo (27), Noh Seung-yul (32), and "domestic number 1" Kim Joo-hyung (20) are also looking for their chance.

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