5-Under Par Excitement Jang Yubin: "I Think I've Grown Compared to Last Year"

GS Caltex Maekyung Open 1R Leading Group
Champion at Last Year's Asian Games and Gunsan CC Open
"This Year, I Must Play in the Champion Group on the Final Day"

Jang Yubin's growth is remarkable.

Jang Yubin

On the 2nd, at the 43rd GS Caltex Maekyung Open (total prize money 1.3 billion KRW) held at Namseoul Country Club in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province (Par 71, 7,083 yards), he posted a 5-under-par 66 in the first round, placing himself among the top ranks. He made six birdies and one bogey. His average drive shot distance was 320 yards. On the 16th hole (Par 4), he hit a maximum drive of 340 yards.

Jang Yubin represented the national team last year and won a team gold medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games. In the fall of the same year, he turned professional and joined the Korea Professional Golfers' Association (KPGA) Tour. Since starting his professional career in earnest, he has shown a steep upward trajectory. In August last year, he won the KPGA Tour Gunsan CC Open as an amateur.

This year, his performance remains strong. He has participated in three tournaments and entered the top 10 twice. After the round, Jang Yubin said, "Last year, I was very nervous when playing in tournaments. Perhaps because of that experience, I feel I have grown one step this year."

His compatibility with the GS Caltex Maekyung Open is also good. This is his fourth appearance. Last year, he finished tied for 8th place. Jang Yubin said, "Today, my tee shots went straight and far, which helped me achieve a good score," but added, "The Namseoul course does not favor long hitters. You have to play with accuracy as the priority." He continued, "I played in the champion group on the final day of last year's tournament, and I will never forget the cheers from the numerous galleries. I definitely want to be in the champion group again on the final day this year."

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