'Masters Runner-up' Im Sung-jae: "The Green Jacket Was a Childhood Dream"

PGA Tour Interview Declares Masters Entry
"This Year, Aim to Pass Qualifiers and Enter Top 10"

"Wearing the green jacket has been my dream since I was young."

Im Sung-jae is watching during the Masters practice round. [Augusta (USA) = AFP·Yonhap News]

This is the declaration of intent from Im Sung-jae, ranked 18th in the world, for the Masters. On the 2nd, four days before the Masters began (local time), Im Sung-jae said in an interview with the PGA Tour, "I've dreamed of wearing the green jacket ever since I watched the Masters as a child," adding, "Someday, I will win the Masters." He said, "No Korean player has won the Masters yet. I hope a Korean player wins," and pledged, "I don't know if I can do it, but I will work hard to win the Masters."

Im Sung-jae is once again a contender for the Masters this year. In 2020, he achieved the best result for a Korean player by tying for 2nd place, and last year he performed well by tying for 8th place. He said, "I always have many good memories at the Masters. I'm looking forward to this year as well," and set a realistic goal: "First, I want to make the cut and finish in the top 10." Im Sung-jae skipped last week's PGA Tour Valero Texas Open to prepare for the Masters. He said, "As always, I rested, did physical training, and worked on my weaknesses," adding, "Augusta National Golf Club, the tournament venue, has a different kind of tension compared to other tournaments. I will make good use of the experience I've built over the past three years."

Regarding the 13th hole (par 5), which has been lengthened by 35 yards, Im said, "Before, I sometimes hit a 3-wood and sometimes a driver, but this year I think I will hit a driver. It will probably eliminate the worry about the tee shot," and predicted, "Holes 10, 11, and 12 are important. If I don't lose strokes there and just maintain par, I think I can achieve a good result."

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