[2020's Great Challenge⑥] Im Sung-jae "PO Champ, Next is Olympic Medal"

June 11 PGA Tour Resumes "All-Out Battle to Defend PO Ranking No.1", Target for Next Year is Tokyo Olympics

Im Sung-jae will challenge the 'PO Champ' title again as the PGA Tour resumes.

[Asia Economy Kim Hyunjun, Golf Specialist Reporter] 'FedEx Cup (PO) Champ.'

It is the 'Infinite Challenge' of Im Sung-jae (22, CJ Logistics). Last year, he became the first Asian to win the PGA Tour Rookie of the Year. This year, he achieved his first PGA Tour victory at the Honda Classic in March, and the following week, he secured 3rd place at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, climbing to the top spot in the PO rankings, showing an even steeper upward trend. Recently, the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the U.S. has caused the PGA Tour to be 'shut down,' causing him frustration.

Im Sung-jae caused a sensation in 2015 by simultaneously passing the Korean Professional Golf Association (KPGA) and Japan Golf Tour Organization (JGTO) Qualifying Tournaments (QT). After moving between Korea and Japan, he passed the PGA Korn Ferry (2nd tier) Tour QT in 2nd place in December 2017 and went to the U.S. In 2018, he swept two wins at the season opener and finale, quickly securing his PGA Tour card. This is why U.S. media introduced him first among the 'Top 10 Star Rookies' at that time.

In his first season in 2019, he showed consistency by entering the 'Top 10' seven times in 35 tournaments, including a tie for 3rd at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, and was the only rookie to advance to the 'PO Final 3rd Stage' Tour Championship, making his presence felt. His powerful average drive of 303.2 yards comes from his solid physique of 183 cm and 90 kg. He added 'stingy putting' with a greens in regulation rate of 68.62% (61st) and an average of 1.72 putts per hole (18th).

It is rather regrettable that Im Sung-jae lost in a playoff at the Sanderson Farms Championship, which is included in the 2020 season, in September. He consoled himself by winning the KPGA Korean Tour Genesis Championship in October. The Presidents Cup, an intercontinental golf competition between the U.S. and the International Team in December, became a stepping stone to becoming a world star. Playing for the International Team, he recorded 3 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss, and on the final day, he notably defeated 'US Open Champ' Gary Woodland (USA) by 4 holes.

Im Sung-jae triumphed at the Honda Classic last March, becoming the seventh Korean PGA Tour champion in history.

The highlight was the Honda Classic. Starting the final 4th round tied for 5th place, 3 strokes behind, he shot 4 under par to complete a 1-stroke come-from-behind victory. He became the 7th Korean champion in history, following K.J. Choi (50, SK Telecom), Yang Yong-eun (48), Bae Sang-moon (34), Noh Seung-yul (29), Kim Si-woo (25), and Kang Sung-hoon (33, CJ Logistics). His tie for 3rd at the Arnold Palmer Invitational was the momentum that propelled him to 1st place in the PO rankings. He currently ranks 2nd in prize money ($3.86 million) and 23rd in the world rankings.

Im Sung-jae is staying in Tampa, Florida, awaiting the start of the Charles Schwab Challenge (total prize money $7.5 million) on June 11. "It was boring practicing alone, but recently my coach came from Korea and I have been getting swing checks, so time seems to pass quickly," he said, revealing his hunter instinct by adding, "I want to consistently participate in tournaments and maintain my No. 1 PO ranking." It is worth noting that the PO introduced a new 'stroke bonus' last year.

After the 2nd event, players start the 'Final 3rd Stage' Tour Championship carrying differential scores such as 10 under par for 1st place. The shortened season and unique system could be advantageous for Im Sung-jae. His next target is the Tokyo Olympics in July next year. Along with the medal, the 'two rabbits' of military service exemption await him. U.S. media also focused on this point, stating, "He has enough ability to win a medal," while adding, "The key is to maintain this upward momentum for more than a year."