Kim Minsu Surges to 6-Under... Eyes First Victory

One-Stroke Lead After First Round of KPGA Founders Cup

Best Finish Since 2012 Debut Was Tied for Third

Moon Doyeob, Kim Chanwoo, Jung Chanmin, and Kim Hongtaek Tied for Second

Kim Minsu has laid the foundation for his first victory.

On May 7, at the Kyle Phillips Course (par 72, 7,571 yards) of Golfzon County Yeongam45 in Yeongam-gun, Jeollanam-do, Kim scored nine birdies and three bogeys during the first round of the KPGA Founders Cup (total prize money of 700 million won) on the Korea Professional Golfers’ Association (KPGA) Tour. With a score of 6-under-par 66, Kim Minsu topped the leaderboard. Defending champion Moon Doyeob, “Yeongam local” Kim Chanwoo, Jung Chanmin, Kim Hongtaek, Kwon Osang, Jung Seonil, and Ko Seokwan are all tied for second place at 5-under-par 67, just one stroke behind.

Kim Minsu is teeing off at the 6th hole during the first round of the KPGA Founders Cup. Photo by KPGA

Kim Minsu made his debut on the KPGA Tour in 2012, but has yet to claim a win. His best career results are tied for third at the 66th KPGA Championship in 2023 and last year’s SK Telecom Open. In last month’s season opener, the 21st DB Insurance Promy Open, he finished tied for 59th.

Kim Minsu said, “Today was the best my putting has been in years,” adding with a big smile, “I hope my putting touch continues like it did today.” He added, “I will get plenty of rest tonight and build up my stamina to prepare for the second round.”

Shin Sanghoon and Lee Sumin are eyeing a comeback from a tie for 12th place at 4-under-par 68. Lee Hyungjoon and Hwang Jaemin are tied for 21st at 3-under-par 69, while Jang Yubin, Lee Sangyeob, Kim Kyungtae, Jeon Garam, Mo Jungkyung, and Cho Wooyoung are among those tied for 30th at 2-under-par 70. Heo Inhoe, Ok Taehun, and Choi Chan are tied for 41st at 1-under-par 71, while last week’s GS Caltex Maekyung Open winner Choi Seungbin is tied for 62nd at even-par 72.

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