'Opening Match Champ' Park Sang-hyun "Marching Toward 2 Wins"... 'Number 1' Kim Bi-o Takes a 'Break'
On the 16th, Korean Tour Hana Bank Invitational Opens, Lee Tae-hoon Aims to Defend Title
[Asia Economy Golf Specialist Reporter Kim Hyun-joon] Park Sang-hyun (39, Dong-A Pharmaceutical, photo) has embarked on a 'march to his second victory.'
The Hana Bank Invitational of the Korean Professional Golfers' Association (KPGA) Korean Tour (total prize money 1 billion KRW), held on the 16th at Namchuncheon Golf Club in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province (par 72, 7,249 yards), is especially known as Park’s 'winning stronghold' since he was the inaugural champion in 2018. At that time, he set the tournament record with the lowest score (21 under par, 267 strokes) at the Lakeside Golf Club West Course in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province (par 72). This year, he is riding a wave of momentum after winning the season opener, the DB Insurance Promy Open, in April.
Park Sang-hyun currently ranks 3rd in the season points ranking (2,091.48 points) and 6th in prize money (228.41 million KRW). It is notable that Kim Bi-o (32, Hoban Construction), who is 1st in the points ranking, is not participating to manage his condition. Although the course is different, Park has a chance to reclaim the top spot for the first time in four years. Joining the competition are Kim Min-gyu (21, CJ Logistics), ranked 2nd, and Park Eun-shin (32), Ok Tae-hoon (24, Geumgang Housing), ranked 4th. Kim Min-gyu, in particular, has been frustrated this season, finishing in the top 5 only four times in seven events.
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Defending champion Lee Tae-hoon (Canada) is challenging to defend his title. He expressed his determination, saying, "I have brought both my condition and performance to the best level for this tournament." Shin Sang-hoon (24), who won the KPGA Championship that ended on the 12th, is aiming for 'back-to-back wins,' sharing the same dream. 'Match King' Park Eun-shin (32), Jang Hee-min (20), and Yang Ji-ho (33) are competing for 'two wins,' while Japanese Golf Tour Organization (JGTO) members Song Young-han (31) and Ryu Hyun-woo (41) have also declared their participation.
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