Lee Kyung-hoon's Trip to Puerto Rico "Targeting the Niche Market~"

Challenging Victory at Puerto Rico Open, Trainer Aims for 'Title Defense', Folter as 'Dark Horse'

Lee Kyung-hoon challenges for his first career victory at the Puerto Rico Open, a 'niche market' tournament.

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] It is Kyung-hoon Lee's (29, CJ Logistics) 'niche market' strategy.

The Puerto Rico Open of the PGA Tour (total prize money $3 million), which kicks off on the 20th (Korean time) at the Rio Grande Coco Beach Golf Course in Puerto Rico (par 72, 7,506 yards), is a fiercely contested venue. World stars are participating in the World Golf Championships (WGC) Series Mexico Championship (total prize money $10.25 million) during the same period, making the competition for the win relatively easier. Although the prize money is smaller, the spoils such as a two-year PGA Tour card are the same.

Kyung-hoon Lee was the gold medalist in the team event at the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games. He moved to Japan and secured two wins at the 2012 Nagashima Shigeo and 2015 Honma Tour World Cup, and achieved back-to-back victories at the Korean Open, a 'national title,' in 2015 and 2016. He began challenging the U.S. stage in 2016, secured his card by ranking 5th on the 2018 Korn Ferry (second-tier) Tour money list, and entered the PGA Tour the following year. Last year, he maintained his first-tier card by ranking 108th in the FedEx Cup standings.

In the 2019/2020 season, he is ranked 84th in the money list ($529,689) after 13 tournaments, including a tie for 5th at the RSM Classic. He has yet to win, with his personal best being a tie for 3rd at the Zurich Classic last April. After consecutive 'cut offs' at the Farmers Insurance Open and Waste Management Phoenix Open, it was encouraging that he changed the momentum with a tie for 13th at last week's Genesis Invitational. His strong finish of 2-under par on the final day stood out.

First of all, he is determined to wash away the disappointment of finishing tied for 35th at this tournament last year. Starting the final round tied for 15th, six strokes behind the leader, he hoped to break into the 'top 10' but slipped with a 1-over par. Martin Trainer (USA) is defending his title. He turned professional in 2013 and achieved his first career win last season in just his ninth tournament. He is recalling the thrilling memory of a three-stroke comeback victory last year.

Runner-up Aaron Baddeley (Australia) is seeking revenge. Ian Poulter (England) is a dark horse. Ranked 55th in the world, he is the highest-ranked player in the field. Former champions including Alex Cejka (Germany), D.A. Points, Chesson Hadley, Scott Brown, and George McNeill (all USA) have joined the competition for the title. From Korea, Sang-moon Bae (34) is looking for an opportunity. He has played in six tournaments this year but has been cut five times. The Bermuda Championship (tied for 58th) is his only main event appearance.