Im Sungjae "I Did Not Submit the Scorecard"

Reason Behind the Masters Event Par-3 Contest Jinx
Im Sungjae 4-Under, Kim Juhyung 1-Under, Hogi Victory

"I took it easy because of the Par 3 Contest jinx."

Im Sung-jae did not submit his scorecard. If it were an official tournament, that would mean 'disqualification.' On the 5th (local time), Im Sung-jae posted a 4-under-par score at the Par 3 Contest, a Masters event held on nine par-3 holes near Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, USA. Im, who got married last December, was accompanied by his wife as his caddie.

Im Sung-jae is handing a putter cover to his wife, who served as his caddie, at the 1st hole of the Masters Par 3 Contest. [Augusta (USA) = Reuters·Yonhap News]

The Par 3 Contest began in 1960. It is a festival where players enjoy time with their families. However, there is a jinx that no player who has won the Par 3 Contest has ever won the main tournament. Im Sung-jae laughed, saying, "I took it easy because of the Par 3 Contest jinx, but I made two birdies in the first three holes." After cruising at 3-under-par through the sixth hole, Im did not submit his scorecard. He had a strong desire to perform well in the main tournament.

Im Sung-jae shared his thoughts, saying, "The weather was hot, but last year I was with my father, and this year I had a good time walking the course with my wife. It was enjoyable to spend time together at the Masters Par 3 Contest, and it felt very special." He also shyly added, "My wife said she liked watching me hit from up close."

On the 6th, Im Sung-jae will play the first round alongside Hideki Matsuyama (Japan), the first Asian player to wear the 'Green Jacket' in 2021, and Cameron Smith (Australia), who won The Open last year and then moved to LIV Golf. Im has been strong at the Masters, finishing runner-up in 2020 and tied for 8th in 2022. He expressed his determination, saying, "I usually like hot weather because it helps with distance, and since my condition is good, I will prepare well and play a good game."

Kim Joo-hyung, making his Masters debut, posted a 1-under-par score. He said, "It was so much fun," and added, "I will probably be somewhat nervous when the main tournament starts, but I will try my best to play as I usually do." Kim will play the first and second rounds with world No. 1 and defending champion Scottie Scheffler and Sam Burns (both from the USA), who has five PGA Tour wins. This year's Par 3 Contest winner was Tom Hoge (USA), who recorded 6-under-par.

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