Yang Jiho Soars at Woojeong Hills with a 6-Under-Par Surge

Yang Jiho Leads by One Stroke in Round 1 of the 68th Kolon Korean Open
Jung Yujun Second, Choi Jinho and Bae Sangmoon Tied for Third
Wang Junghoon Tied for Ninth, Watson and Ham Junwoo Tied for 47th

Yang Jiho has taken a crucial step toward claiming the national title.

On May 21, during the first round of the 68th Kolon Korean Open (total prize money of 1.4 billion won) held at Woojeong Hills Country Club (par 71) in Cheonan, Chungnam, he shot a 6-under-par 65. He finished one stroke ahead of Jung Yujun (5-under-par 66), taking the lead.

Yang Jiho is making an iron shot on the 8th hole of the first round at the 68th Kolon Korean Open. Provided by Kolon Korean Open

On this day, Yang recorded nine birdies and three bogeys. Although he managed to reduce his score by only one stroke over 12 holes, he climbed to the top of the leaderboard with three consecutive birdies on holes 4 to 6 and back-to-back birdies on holes 8 and 9. Yang is a two-time winner on the KPGA Tour, having claimed victory at the KB Financial Liiv Championship in 2022 and the Hana Bank Invitational in 2023.

Choi Jinho, Jung Chanmin, Bae Sangmoon, and Lee Soomin are all tied for third place at 3-under-par 68, forming the chasing pack. Wang Junghoon, Lee Dongmin, and Kim Baekjun are tied for ninth at 2-under-par 69. Lee Sangyeop and Oh Seungtaek are tied for 28th at even-par 71. Masters champion Bubba Watson (USA) ended the round tied for 47th at 1-over-par 72. Ham Junwoo is also tied for 47th.

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