[2020 PGA Tour Weather] Woods "March to 83 Wins" ... What About 'Number 1' Koepka?

Woods to Challenge Record Wins at Farmers Open on 23rd, Koepka and McIlroy "Competing for World No.1", Korea Led by Im Sung-jae 'Vanguard'

'The Returned Golf Emperor' Tiger Woods will start the 2020 season at the Farmers Open, which opens on the 23rd.

[Asia Economy Golf Specialist Reporter Kim Hyun-jun] "Most PGA Tour Wins."

The biggest topic in the global golf world in 2020 is undoubtedly the new history created by the "Returned Golf Emperor," Tiger Woods (USA). Last October, he won the Zozo Championship, reaching the PGA Tour record for most wins (82 wins), tying with Sam Snead (USA). World No. 1 Brooks Koepka (USA) and No. 2 Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) are resuming their "No. 1 competition." Domestic fans are eagerly awaiting the first victory of the "Rookie of the Year," Im Sung-jae (22, CJ Logistics).

▲ Woods: "The path is a new history" = He made a perfect comeback by winning the Masters last April. Most importantly, it is significant that he restarted his major championship clock after 11 years since the 2008 US Open. This brought him within three wins of Jack Nicklaus's (USA) record for most major wins (18 wins). Following his 82nd career win in October, in December he participated in the Presidents Cup as both a player and captain, fulfilling a "dual role," and achieved a perfect 3-0 record, adding to his Presidents Cup record of most wins (27 wins, 1 draw, 15 losses).

His first outing this year is the Farmers Insurance Open (total prize money $7.5 million), starting on the 23rd (Korean time). As expected, Torrey Pines, a fierce battleground, is considered his "winning stronghold." He swept up seven wins there, including four consecutive wins from 2005 to 2008, and in June 2008 at the US Open, after a grueling 91-hole battle, he secured his 14th major victory. Woods included the Genesis Invitational on his schedule for next month on the 13th through his official website.

March is likely to feature the Arnold Palmer Invitational and "the 5th major," The Players Championship. Naturally, the highlight is the Masters in April. It is the stage where Woods dreams of "hunting two rabbits" ? defending his title and achieving his 16th major win. The Masters is especially unique as the only major held annually at the same venue. Woods has already donned the Green Jacket five times. The Tokyo Olympics in July is another point of interest. He revealed his hunter instinct, saying, "I want to win the gold medal."

World No. 1 Brooks Koepka and No. 2 Rory McIlroy are engaged in a fierce battle for the 'Number 1' spot from the beginning of the year.

▲ Koepka vs McIlroy: "Who is the new golf emperor?" = Koepka won three titles last year, including achieving back-to-back PGA Championship wins for the first time in 12 years in May. Interestingly, McIlroy, the FedEx Cup (PO) champion at the end of the year, was named "Player of the Year," which reportedly frustrated Koepka. After undergoing knee surgery in October, Koepka focused on rehabilitation and will make his comeback at the European Tour's Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship held in Dubai, UAE, on the 16th.

McIlroy has declared his intention to compete at the Farmers Insurance Open, clashing with Woods before Koepka does. His proud moment was winning the Tour Championship last September, hitting a "jackpot" of $15 million (1.74 billion KRW) in one go. His consistency, leading the average score ranking (69.06 strokes), showed its power. McIlroy is also focusing on the Masters. It is the last puzzle to complete the "Career Grand Slam," sweeping four different majors.

The Korean contingent is led by "No. 34" Im Sung-jae. He holds the highest ranking among Korean players. After qualifying as the 2018 Web.com (2nd tier) Tour money leader, he joined the PGA Tour last year and played 35 tournaments, leveraging his ironclad stamina. An Byeong-hun (29) and Kang Sung-hoon (33), Kim Si-woo (25, all CJ Logistics) support him, and No Seung-yeol (29, Nike) joined after completing military service. "Tank" Choi Kyung-ju (50, SK Telecom) is concurrently playing on the Champions (Senior) Tour.