YE Yang Could Flourish in Tiger Woods’ Absence

Y.E. Yang, 38, dubbed the “son of the wind” in Korea, could flourish in the absence of Tiger Woods on the PGA Tour this season. The Korean won the PGA Championship last year over Woods.

Yang had lost his tour qualification for a poor record after the 2008 season. Qualifying through q-school, he had but one goal around this time last year: surviving on the tour by any means.

Unlike the desperate situation he was in early last year, Yang seems to have much brighter prospects this year with two wins under his belt from last year.

He will open the season tomorrow at the SBS Championship (par 73) at the Plantation Course at Kapalua Resort on Maui, Hawaii.

This event is open only to the 28 golfers who won tournaments last year.

PGATour.com posted Yang’s picture on the page for the SBS Championship, and said, “Yang, who turns 38 next week, won last year’s Honda Classic and PGA Championship, making his first start in this field.”

It also said the 2002 SBS Championship of the Korean PGA was his first career victory as a professional.

Along with Yang, those who won majors last season will compete in Maui, including Angel Cabrera of Argentina (the Masters); Lucas Glover of the U.S. (U.S. Open); and Stewart Cink of the U.S. (British Open).

Starting with this tournament, the PGA Tour begins its 11-month season with a combined 270.8 million dollars up for grabs in 46 tournaments.

The expected long absence of Tiger Woods is expected to have a major impact on the tour, as well as who will do well in his absence.

Eyes are also on ethnic Korean players K.J. Choi, 40, and Anthony Kim, 24, who failed to win anything last season.

kjs0123@donga.com