Baesangmun 20th "Finally 6 Under Par"... Hoblan Leads

Puerto Rico Open Day 3 "Top 10 Challenge", Laird 2nd Place 1 Stroke Behind, Lee Kyung-hoon 28th

[Asia Economy Golf Specialist Reporter Kim Hyun-jun] Bae Sang-moon (34, photo) shot a rare 6-under par.

On the 23rd (Korean time), at the Puerto Rico Open (total prize money $3 million) 3rd round held at Rio Grande Cocobiche Golf Course in Puerto Rico (par 72, 7,506 yards) of the PGA Tour, he swept up 7 birdies (1 bogey) to soar to a tie for 20th place (9-under par 207). He is only 2 strokes behind the joint 7th place, making a 'top 10' entry possible. It is welcome news that world stars participated in the Mexico Championship (total prize money $10.25 million) during the same period, making the competition for the win relatively easier.

Bae Sang-moon rose to the ranks of PGA Tour champions by winning the 2013 Byron Nelson Championship, and in October 2014, he captured the Price.com season opener for the 2014/2015 season, drawing even more spotlight. After a military service controversy in 2015, he finally enlisted in November and returned in 2017. The PGA Tour established a special provision guaranteeing his tour card for one year after discharge, allowing him to secure a card for the 2017/2018 season.

It is interesting that although Bae Sang-moon missed the cut 11 times in 17 tournaments in 2018, he revived his career by winning the Albertsons Boise Open, the 3rd playoff event of the Korn Ferry (2nd tier) Tour in September. However, last year he again missed the cut 14 times in 22 tournaments, and now he is walking a thorny path, moving back and forth between the Korn Ferry Tour. Lee Kyung-hoon (29, CJ Logistics) made 5 birdies and 3 bogeys, reducing 2 strokes to place tied for 28th (7-under par 209).

Viktor Hovland (Norway) took the lead by 1 stroke (18-under par 198). He is a special rookie who caused a sensation by setting the lowest amateur score in 59 years (4-under par 280) at the third major, the US Open, last June. After turning professional, he secured a PGA Tour card this year through the Korn Ferry (2nd tier) Tour. Martin Laird (Scotland) is making a late charge from 2nd place (17-under par 199) backed by a 9-under par course record.