[2020 New Start⑨] 'Korean Tour QT Top' Kim Geuntae "Rookie of the Year GO~"

Lee Chae, Business Major at Tennessee State University, Trained in Orlando for 6 Weeks, Received Putting Tips from An Byeonghun

'QT 1st place' Kim Geuntae is dreaming of becoming the Rookie of the Year on the Korean Tour in the 2020 season.

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "My first goal is Rookie of the Year."

Kim Geun-tae (24) passed the Korean Professional Golfers' Association (KPGA) Korean Tour Qualifying Tournament (QT) held last November at Gunsan Golf Course in Jeonbuk as the top scorer. After graduating from Tennessee State University in the United States, he returned to Korea, obtained KPGA associate membership in June, and full membership in August, quickly gaining experience on the Challenge (2nd tier) Tour. He expressed a strong determination, saying, "I absolutely do not want to miss the Rookie of the Year award, which you only get one chance at."

He started golf at age 11 at his father's suggestion and moved to the U.S. at 16, where he stood out by winning eight times on the American junior circuit. It is interesting that Kim Geun-tae majored in Business Administration in college. He was selected as an academic scholarship student for three out of four years, achieving remarkable results. He also won two individual titles and five team titles in college golf tournaments held across the U.S. "I wanted to excel in both studies and golf," he revealed his hunter instinct.

Right after QT, he began preparing early for the 2020 season tour. First, through 'body conditioning,' he focused on increasing his current average driving distance of 280 yards. Kim Geun-tae said, "Starting my professional career in my homeland Korea is thrilling," and added, "Long hitting is essential to fiercely compete for wins on the regular tour. I am securing maximum distance through weight training that strengthens my lower body muscles."

In January, he went to Orlando, Florida, for a six-week training camp, sweating over short game practice such as shots around the green and putting. Kim Geun-tae's main weapon is his 'pinpoint iron shots.' However, his performance varies greatly due to inconsistency on the greens. He was fortunate to meet Ahn Byung-hoon (29, CJ Logistics) at Lake Nona and Orange Tree Golf Courses and receive putting tips. In March, he visited the Arnold Palmer Invitational venue, nurturing his dream of the big leagues.

He returned home to Daegu in mid-month and is focusing on practice. He regrets the crisis situation as the global tours have been suspended due to the recent spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The Korean Tour will open next month on the 23rd with the DB Insurance Pro-Am Open (total prize money 500 million KRW). Kim Geun-tae said, "I hope 'COVID-19' ends as soon as possible so the tour can proceed normally," and vowed, "I will uphold the pride of being QT No. 1."