South Korean golfers Im Sung-jae, An Byeong-hun, and Tom Kim are preparing for the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club, each seeking their first major title. Im, ranked No. 25 and noted for a runner-up finish in his 2020 debut, is the highest-ranked among them. Despite a poor recent performance, he believes he can excel if he executes his shots well. Kim, now ranked No. 33 with three titles, and An, ranked No. 35, are also aiming to improve their standings. All three players are determined to crack the top 10 at this prestigious event, each feeling the weight of their hopes.
Three South Korean players on the PGA Tour are poised to chase their first major title when they hit the tee at the Masters this week.
Im Sung-jae, ranked No. 25 and a two-time tour winner, is the highest-ranked among the trio taking part at the iconic Augusta National Golf Club, situated around a two-hour drive east of Atlanta. Following him are Tom Kim (No. 33) and An Byeong-hun (No. 35). While Kim has secured three PGA Tour victories, An is still in search of his first on the main circuit.
No South Korean has donned the prestigious green jacket awarded to the Masters champion each year, and Im holds the record for the best finish by a South Korean, having finished as a runner-up in his Masters debut in 2020.
Typically known for his consistency, Im has experienced a slowdown after achieving two top-five finishes in his first three tournaments this year. In the subsequent seven tournaments, he has missed two cuts and has not recorded a top-10 finish.
His major performances since 2023 have also been inconsistent, yielding three top-20 finishes alongside five missed cuts.
Kim’s recent results have been less favorable, with only one top-10 finish in nine tournaments, including three missed cuts. He finished 2024 ranked No. 21 but has since declined by a dozen spots.
In his last 10 major starts, Kim has placed within the top 30 seven times, counting his two latest appearances at the Masters.
An has also struggled, missing three cuts in his nine tournaments but achieving one top-10 finish. This week marks his sixth appearance at the Masters, but just his third since 2017. He finished tied for 16th in 2024, earning the highest place of any South Korean player, just two strokes shy of the top 10.
Given their recent performances, none of these three golfers are expected to be favorites this week. However, Im expressed to Yonhap News Agency over the weekend that he believes he can perform well if he successfully executes his planned shots at Augusta.
“Of the four major championships, I think the Masters is probably the most-watched event, making it that much more special,” Im remarked. “If I can play the shots I want, then I can expect positive outcomes at this tournament.”
Im conveyed his frustration regarding his recent struggles, stating: “It’s not that I’ve been making significant mistakes, but I have been following birdies with bogeys. I need to find solutions quickly.”
Statistical analysis indicates that while Im has been solid with his driver and putter, he has encountered difficulties with his iron play and around the greens.
“I’ve been prone to mistakes with my wedges lately,” shared Im, who has recently switched to the same putter model that helped him finish second at the 2020 Masters.
“I hope to navigate through the initial rounds. It would mean a lot to me if I could break into the top 10,” he said. “At Augusta, precision with your shots is crucial. Even when facing challenges, you have to strive to avoid double bogeys. And when an opportunity arises to score a birdie, you need to focus.”
After his practice on Monday at Augusta, An mentioned to South Korean reporters his aim of breaking into the top 10 this year.
“Playing in the Masters is always a special experience,” he stated. “I was just shy of the top 10 last time, but I feel good this week, and I’d love to secure a place in the top 10 this time.” (Yonhap)