'Masters Debut' Kim Joo-hyung: "I Was Unlucky Today"

2-Under Par on Masters Opening Day, Best Korean Performance
Unlucky Double Bogey from Bunker Shot on 15th Hole Brings Tears

‘Next-generation star’ Kim Joo-hyung had a steady Masters debut.

On the 6th (local time), Kim Joo-hyung scored 2-under-par 70 in the first round of the tournament held at Augusta National Golf Club (par 72, 7,545 yards) in Augusta, Georgia, USA, with one eagle, two birdies, and one double bogey. He is tied for 17th place, five strokes behind the co-leaders.

Kim Joo-hyung is making a bunker shot on the 15th hole of the first round at the Masters. [Augusta, USA = Reuters·Yonhap News]

Regarding his Masters debut, Kim Joo-hyung said, "It was the tournament I wanted to play the most since I was young, so I was naturally more excited," but added, "When I stepped onto the tee box at the 1st hole, I played with a calm mind." He continued, "My performance was good, but there were some unfortunate moments where luck didn’t go my way," and expressed, "Since I scored under par, I will do my best over the remaining three days."

Kim Joo-hyung made consecutive birdies on holes 1 and 2, followed by an eagle on the 13th hole (par 5). After leaving 222 yards, his second shot landed about 2.7 meters from the hole, and he calmly sank the eagle putt, jumping up to 6th place. However, he faced misfortune on the 15th hole (par 5). His second shot pushed to the right, hitting a tree and landing in a bunker near the green. Although his bunker shot landed on the green, it rolled down the slope and eventually fell into the water.

About the situation on the 15th hole, Kim Joo-hyung explained, "The landing spot was exactly where I aimed, but unexpectedly the ball bounced to the left and fell into the water," adding, "Even if I were to hit again, I would have done the same, so it was just bad luck." If Kim Joo-hyung wins, he will break the Masters youngest winner record set by ‘Golf Emperor’ Tiger Woods (USA) in 1997 at 21 years and 3 months old. Kim Joo-hyung was born in June 2002.

Kim Joo-hyung said, "Since this is my first time playing in this tournament, I lack experience compared to players who have competed more than ten times, but I will improve my skills and aim for the best possible result," and vowed, "The weather is expected to be bad in the second round, but I will focus only on my own play for every shot, just as I have done so far." In the second round, Kim Joo-hyung will play alongside world No. 2 Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) and ‘Match King’ Sam Burns (USA).

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