'New Groom' Ham Jeong-woo "Started 8 Under Par with Sponsor's Energy"..."Good Putting Feel"

Hana Bank Invitational Day 1: 2-Stroke Lead, 'Match King' Park Eun-shin Tied for 2nd in Pursuit, Defending Champ Lee Tae-hoon at 2 Under Tied 29th

Ham Jung-woo is giving an interview after taking a 2-stroke lead on the first day of the Hana Bank Invitational. Photo by KPGA

[Asia Economy Golf Specialist Reporter Kim Hyun-jun] "Long-distance putting is spot on."

'Newlywed' Ham Jeong-woo (28, Hana Financial Group) received 'sponsor energy.' On the first day of the Korean Professional Golf (KPGA) Korean Tour Hana Bank Invitational (total prize money 1 billion won), held on the 16th at Namchuncheon Golf Course in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province (par 72, 7,249 yards), he shot 8 under par to take a 2-stroke lead. Starting from the 10th hole (par 4), he swept up 8 birdies. He evaluated, "I was lucky with putting falling well," adding, "The course has high difficulty with 3- and 4-tier greens."

Rookie of the Year in 2018, Ham Jeong-woo achieved his first victory at the SK Telecom Open in May 2019, and reached his second career win last October at the Choi Kyung-ju Invitational. During the Choi Kyung-ju Invitational, he shared an episode saying, "I won with my girlfriend's putter." His girlfriend is Kang Ye-rin (28), a member of the Korean Ladies Professional Golf (KLPGA) Tour, whom he married last March. He laughed, saying, "We are a separated couple because the tour schedules and courses are different." This week, Kang Ye-rin is also participating in the Korean Women's Open held in Eumseong, Chungbuk.

This is why winning is even more urgent for Ham Jeong-woo. He added his determination, "My goal this year is to gift my wife a winner's trophy." He introduced, "We don't talk in detail about playing styles with my wife," saying, "We just encourage each other by saying 'Let's do well and earn a lot of money.'" In seven matches this season, he has entered the 'top 10' three times and is progressing smoothly. He expressed his ambition, saying, "I have a desire to win on the sponsor stage," and added, "I will give my all in every round."

'Match King' Park Eun-shin (32) is a player to watch. He is in a tie for 2nd place (6 under par, 66 strokes) and is rushing toward his 'second win.' Currently ranked 4th in the points ranking, he is further motivated by the absence of No. 1 Kim Bi-o (32, Hoban Construction), aiming to take the top spot. Hyun Jeong-hyeop (39), Lee Gyu-min (22), and Kim Jun-sung (31) joined the tie for 2nd place, and Lee Tae-hee (38) is tied for 7th place (5 under par, 67 strokes). Defending champion Lee Tae-hoon (Canada) remained tied for 29th place (2 under par, 70 strokes).

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