Korean Golf Quartet, the 'Goliaths,' to Surpass the US? 2022 Presidents Cup Opens on the 22nd

Clash at Quail Hollow Club on the 22nd... US Team Holds Absolute Edge with 11 Wins, 1 Draw, 1 Loss
Korea Fields Record Number Including Im Sungjae, Kim Juhyung, Kim Siwoo, Lee Kyunghoon
US Team Features Schauffele and Spieth... Johnson, Smith and Other 'LIV Golf' Departures Add Variables

The U.S. team and the International team will engage in a pride battle at the 2022 Presidents Cup. Photo by Presidents Cup Twitter

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] 'The Korean Four are stepping up as the key players to defeat the Goliath American team.'

The 2022 Presidents Cup, held over four days starting on the 22nd (local time) at Quail Hollow Club (par 71, 7,521 yards) in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA, is expected to showcase the stature of Korean men's golf. The Presidents Cup is a men's golf team competition between the American team and the International team excluding Europe. It was established in 1994. The American team became the inaugural champions with a 20-12 victory at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, Virginia.

This tournament is a battle between the American team, often likened to Goliath, and the International team, the David. In the 13 matches held so far, the American team has shown overwhelming dominance with 11 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss. In the previous tournament in 2019, the American team, led by 'Golf Emperor' Tiger Woods as captain, won 16-14, marking their eighth consecutive victory.

Each team fields 12 players to compete in a total of 30 matches. The format includes 5 foursomes on the first day, 5 four-ball matches on the second day, 4 four-ball matches in the morning and 4 foursomes in the afternoon on the third day, and 12 singles matches on the final day. A win earns 1 point, and a draw earns 0.5 points.

The Korean Four Lead the Charge

Korea had a record four players qualify for the 2022 Presidents Cup. Photo by Presidents Cup Twitter

The International team is centered around Korea. Im Sung-jae (24) and Kim Joo-hyung (20) earned their tickets through their own efforts, while Lee Kyoung-hoon (31) and Kim Si-woo (27) joined by recommendation from captain Trevor Immelman (South Africa). A record four Koreans have made the roster, surpassing the previous record of three set in the 2011 tournament with Choi Kyung-ju (52), Yang Yong-eun (50), and Kim Kyung-tae (36). This year, Choi Kyung-ju serves as the International team's vice-captain, making a total of five Korean players active.

Im Sung-jae, who has two PGA Tour wins, is ranked 18th in the world, the highest among Korean players. Last month, he achieved a remarkable joint 2nd place at the Tour Championship, the final event of the PGA Tour FedEx Cup Playoffs, marking the best FedEx Cup finish ever by an Asian player. After resting at his home in Atlanta, he moved to the battleground in Charlotte. In his first appearance in 2019, he performed well with 3 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss. Im Sung-jae smiled and said, "I'm already excited. It looks like it will be an interesting competition."

Kim Joo-hyung brings energy as the 'youngest.' He played in PGA Tour events as a special temporary member and became a full member after winning the Wyndham Championship last month. He also advanced to the second round of the Playoffs, gaining attention. "It really feels like a dream to be able to play in the Presidents Cup," said Kim Joo-hyung. "I want to be a player who truly helps the International team. I will try to break the opponent's spirit with cheers and celebrations."

The eldest, Kim Si-woo, is making his second appearance following 2017. He recently competed in the Korean Professional Golf (KPGA) Korean Tour Shinhan Donghae Open, finishing tied for 5th. Kim Si-woo emphasized, "I feel proud that four Korean players are participating." Lee Kyoung-hoon, the two-time defending champion of the AT&T Byron Nelson, is making his Presidents Cup debut. He expressed his determination, saying, "Team victory is the most important."

A Much Younger American Team, Yet Strongest in Power

The U.S. team, led by world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, aims for a 9-match winning streak at the 2020 Presidents Cup. Photo by Presidents Cup Twitter

The American team shows great vigor. With an average age of 29.6 years, it is the youngest team in Presidents Cup history. The ace is undoubtedly world number one Scottie Scheffler. He had his best year in the 2021-2022 season, winning four titles including the Masters, a major championship. He recently received the PGA Tour Player of the Year award. He is the first player to have won the Korn Ferry (second-tier) Tour Player of the Year in 2019, PGA Tour Rookie of the Year in 2020, and PGA Tour Player of the Year.

Following Scheffler are BMW Championship winner Patrick Cantlay, last year's Tokyo Olympic gold medalist Xander Schauffele, Justin Thomas, Sam Burns, and Tony Finau providing support. Additionally, Jordan Spieth, making his fourth Presidents Cup appearance, adds experience. Collin Morikawa, Max Homa, Billy Horschel, and Cameron Young are making their Presidents Cup debuts, promising an upset. Captain Davis Love III confidently stated, "All preparations are complete," aiming for a ninth consecutive victory.

Will LIV Departures Become a Variable?

However, changes in the roster ahead of the tournament pose a variable. This is due to the LIV Golf Invitational Series, sponsored by Saudi Arabian capital. The Presidents Cup organizing committee has firmly stated, "Players who have moved to LIV Golf cannot participate in this tournament." It is regrettable that Dustin Johnson, the current world number one, along with 'Hulk' Bryson DeChambeau and 'Major Hunter' Brooks Koepka, are absent. Match play specialist Phil Mickelson was also excluded.

The International team has also suffered significant losses. Cameron Smith (Australia), the winner of this year's major Open Championship, left for LIV Golf. At the time, he was leading the International team ranking points and is currently ranked third in the world. Joaqu?n Niemann (Chile), ranked fourth in Presidents Cup points, was also disqualified from participation. Charl Schwartzel, Louis Oosthuizen, Brandon Grace (all South Africa), Mark Leishman (Australia), and Anirban Lahiri (India) also chose LIV Golf.

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