Champion on the First Try
Kim Kyung-tae (21), the Monster of the Field, rewrote Korean golf history, winning a title in his debut event.
This historical moment occurred in the fourth round of the seasons opening event, the SBS Tomato Open, which ended on April 29 at the Zephyros Golf Club (par72) in Jeju.
Kim, who became a professional player only this year, scored a 1-over 73 in the fourth round for a total score of 1-under 287, turning the tables against the previous day leader, Viper Choi Gwang-soo (47, Dong-A Pharmaceutical) and Kong John Joon (48), by one shot.
This is the first time in the history of the KPGA that a rookie has won his debut event.
Kim, who had already become the champion in two professional tour events last year as an amateur, is a rising star of mens golf, winning both the mens individual and team events at the Doha Asian Games in December, the first time ever in the history of the games. Although Kim was in second place by one shot the day before, Kim became the champion with his savvy game management and aggressive approach. Kims prize money was 60,000,000 won.
Because he was not able to play in the professional tour seeded games due to being selected to play as a national representative, he obtained a reserve seed with difficulty, but by winning this event, he has now obtained a full seed for future tourneys. After turning professional, he received several sponsor offers, but they hadnt been up to his standards. He has openly said that he would win a competition to show that he was worth more.
Kim said, I was notified of my participation in this event only five days ahead of time, so I didnt have time to do much, but Im happy I was able to win. I want to become Rookie of the Year.
After putting the ball on the green after two shots at the first hole (par 5), Kim completed the hole with a birdie, catching up with the leaders. However, at the sixth hole (par 5), Kim aggressively attempted to put his second shot on the green, but fell in a hazard and lost two shots.
Two shots behind the leader, Kim renewed the chase at the 13th hole (par 5) with a birdie, and the score was evened when Choi Gwang-soo scored a bogey at the 14th hole (par 4). At the 16th hole (par 5), Kim put the ball within 1.5 meters of the cup with his third chip shot near the green for a birdie, moving into the lead. He kept this lead to the final hole. Choi, who had aimed for his 16th career win, playing with his son who also participated in this event, made an attempt at a seven-meter birdie putt at the 18th hole (par 4) to tie the score, but failed, giving up the game to Kim.
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