‘Dream 58 Shots’ Heo Seong-hoon "I Experienced Being Number 1 in Search Rankings for the First Time in My Life"

KPGA Srixon Tour 16th Regional Qualifier Records First Ever 58 Strokes
"Amazing to Be Ranked No.1 in Search Results"… "Favorite Word Is Mokgye (木鷄)"
"Primary Goal Is to Secure Regular Tour Seed"… "Ultimate Dream Is to Join PGA Tour"

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] Heo Seong-hoon (19) cannot forget the 24th of last month.

'Huh Seong-hoon, who scored a "dream 58," has big dreams of playing on the PGA Tour. This is a photo of Huh Seong-hoon striking a pose after shooting 58 in the Srixon Tour qualifier. Photo by KPGA'

It was the day when the news was belatedly reported that he scored a "dream 58" in Group A of the regional qualifiers for the 16th Korean Professional Golf Association (KPGA) Srixon (2nd division) Tour, which ended two days earlier at the Jeonju-Iksan course (Par 71) of Gunsan CC in Jeonbuk. He played a flawless game with 13 birdies and no bogeys. It was the first-ever 58 in Korea. "I received many congratulatory calls after shooting 58," said Heo Seong-hoon, "I still can't believe it," he laughed, adding, "For the first time in my life, I even ranked first in golf search rankings."

"A record is just a record"

Heo Seong-hoon went to study abroad in New Zealand at the age of 10. Influenced by his mother, Wang Bo-san, he picked up a golf club, and after returning to Korea at 14, he started playing golf seriously at a somewhat late age. "When I hit the ball in New Zealand, the feel was so good that I got into golf," he explained. After gaining attention by winning the Ulsan City Golf Association President's Cup in 2020, he passed the KPGA full membership qualifying tournament in 4th place the following year.

Although Heo Seong-hoon’s 58 in the qualifiers was not recognized as an official tournament record, it was the first time a domestic tour professional scored in the 50s in a domestic competition. "I felt a lot of support but also pressure," Heo said. "I didn't want to be called a player who just had one good day," he added. "I focused on mind control by reminding myself that a record is just a record." Heo also tied for 3rd place in the 17th Srixon Tour qualifiers held afterward.

Scorecard of Heo Seong-hoon who recorded 58 strokes in the Srixon Tour qualifying round. Photo by KPGA

"Engraving 'Mokgye' in my heart"

Heo Seong-hoon recalled the time when he scored 58. "Even now, I can't believe what happened," he said. Heo, who had been worried about his putting, practiced until he fell asleep the day before the game. When he briefly woke up during sleep, he got an inspiration about his putting stroke, practiced for another hour, and then went back to sleep. "When I played, the good feeling I sensed while half-asleep appeared exactly," he smiled, "When I stood on the green, I could see all the lines clearly."

Heo likes the word ‘Mokgye’ (木鷄). It is a word his father, Heo Ji-hyung, always emphasizes not to forget. Mokgye means a wooden rooster. It refers to a state of maintaining composure without being disturbed by all kinds of provocations from opponents. It suits the golf sport where one must fight against oneself. "I think the most important thing in golf is not the technical part," he said. "Controlling the mind even in difficult situations seems directly linked to performance."

"I haven't earned a single penny yet"

Heo Seong-hoon is sweating a lot to become the best. He trains 8 to 10 hours a day. After golf-related training, he does strength training for 1 hour and 30 minutes. He also receives one-on-one training two to three times a week. The costs are not insignificant. He is supported by his parents who run a private business. Heo said, "I have never won prize money yet," and added, "I want to show filial piety to my parents and coach with good results."

Heo’s first goal is to finish the Srixon Tour well by October and pass the Korean Tour Qualifying Tournament (QT) held in November to enter the first division next year. If he advances to the Korean Tour, he wants to receive awards given to players who consistently perform well. Heo’s ultimate dream is to join the U.S. Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) Tour. "I really like Tiger Woods (USA)," he said, emphasizing, "I will work hard to win on the PGA Tour."

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