‘Screen King’ Kim Hong-taek: “See You Tomorrow at the Media Center”

He appeared at the media center after a long time.

Kim Hong-taek is being interviewed at the media center immediately after the first round of the DB Insurance Promy Open.
[Photo by KPGA]

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‘The powerhouse of screen golf’ Kim Hong-taek soared at the opening event of the 2024 Korean Professional Golfers' Association (KPGA) Tour season. On the 11th, at the DB Insurance Promy Open (total prize money 700 million KRW) held at La Vie Belle Country Club Old Course (par 71, 7,271 yards) in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, he recorded a 7-under-par 64 in the first round with 1 eagle, 7 birdies, and 2 bogeys. On the 5th hole (par 5), where the green had softened due to rain on the first day, he made his first eagle of the season.

Kim Hong-taek has not reached the top since winning the KPGA Tour Busan Open in 2017. Since 2013, he has dominated as the strongest player in screen golf tournaments. Including his victory at the G Tour last November, he has amassed a total of 12 wins. Right after the round, he said, "It’s really been a long time since I came to a press conference after winning in 2017," adding, "There are similarities and differences between playing in the field and playing screen golf on a machine. I try to apply the similarities well to real play."

Regarding the eagle, he laughed, "I had 240 meters left and took my second shot with a 3-iron. When I got onto the green, the ball was about 1.2 meters from the hole. The shot wasn’t perfectly struck, but I was lucky to make the eagle." He continued, "Since having a baby (an 8-month-old daughter), I have been paying attention to childcare, so my practice time has decreased," but added, "Practicing regularly has improved the quality of my practice." Kim Hong-taek vowed, "I will deliver good results in the remaining rounds and visit the media center every day," and "I will continue to attack the course with aggressive play."

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