One more shot for Kang Yook Soon

"I will make it to the PGA tour.”

It was a terrible setback for Kang Yook-soon (Samsung Elec. An-Yang Benest GC) at last December`s PGA Qualifying School.

He missed the chance to lock up a PGA tour wildcard spot by just one shot when Kang’s 30cm putt at the 18th hole in the last round trickled away. He ended up in tied for 35th place and finished 6 under par, and 426 total.

"It was a downhill slope hook. I hit it lightly, but it made a sharp curve right in front of the cup," Kang said.

With his finish, he would have qualified for a wildcard spot the previous year. But because the wildcard field for top seeds in the 2nd (Nationwide) tour was expanded from 15 cards to 20, the number of qualifying school applicants was reduced from 35 to 30.

As Kang’s luck ran out, he had no words to express his feelings. After he returned home, he shut himself away at Sul-Ak mountain. Kang usually uses Sul-Ak for training purposes. This time, he used it to refine his mind.

"I`m going to set my mind right at the place where it all begins," said Kang.

After shaking off his setback, Kang declared his second challenge for the regular season: to make it to the PGA’s 2nd tour via the secured seed.

" I could take the straight road to the regular season once I become one of the top-20 prize money winners. If I fail this goal, I can apply for qualifying school again,” said Kang. “I doubt it will come to that.”

Kang is planning to participate in 20 out of 31 events on the PGA’s 2nd tour starting in March. Prior to that, he will participate in 6 Asian tours including the Taiwan Open.

While last year`s domestic season was in full swing, Kang visited the United States September to work on his game and improved his swing. In order to survive in the PGA, Kang finds it essential to perfect the use of his irons and to keep the ball in the green.

"The golf courses in the United States are really intimidating. Awkward shots with ballistic curves bounce off so easily,” said Kang.

His range has increased recently due to well-organized physical training program. His driver range has extended by 280 yards and his iron shots have increased by an average of a club.

"At 150 yards I used to grab an 8-iron, but now I take a 9. I`ve succeeded in improving both the trajectory and the range of my shot."

Kang still has issues to resolve, however. The language barrier is critical. He also needs to meet tour requirements by hiring a caddy and a tour manager.

Many of his matches will be held in rural areas, which will reduce the burden of playing in regular competitions. In order to participate in all 20 events, he will have to have approximately $20,000 in funds.

"I need to invest all of the funds I received from my sponsorships. It would be a little odd to ask for more to cover my tour expenses," said Kang.

Kang is almost 40. The strong, resolute expression on his face said it all when he said “I am not going to lose my last opportunity."

Young-Sik Ahn ysahn@donga.com