Lee Ji-hoon "I'm the Opening Game Champ"..."Thanks to Mom's Home-Cooked Meals~"

Woosung Construction Aramir CC Busan Gyeongnam Open Final Day: Winning Birdie on First Extra Hole, Kim Juhyung 2nd Place

Lee Ji-hoon 730 is cheering while holding the trophy high right after winning the Woosung General Construction Aramir CC Busan Gyeongnam Open. Photo by KPGA

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "I won."

This is the cheer of Lee Ji-hoon730 (34). On the 5th, at Aramir Golf Course in Changwon City, Gyeongnam (Par 72, 7,245 yards), he shouted with both arms raised right after winning the KPGA Korean Tour Woosung General Construction Aramir CC Busan Gyeongnam Open (total prize money 500 million KRW) in a playoff. On the final day, he shot 9 under par to tie with Kim Joo-hyung (18, CJ Logistics) at 21 under par 267 strokes, then secured the winning birdie on the first hole of the playoff resumed at the 18th hole (par 5).

Lee Ji-hoon730 earned his first victory in October 2017 at the Only Jeju Open. At that time, the event was shortened to 54 holes due to severe weather, leaving some regrets. This time, it carried special significance as the opening event of the delayed 2020 season due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). This is his second career win after 2 years and 9 months, with a winner's prize of 100 million KRW. Starting the day tied for 14th place, 5 strokes behind, he displayed incredible power by collecting 9 birdies.

He made 4 consecutive birdies from holes 2 to 5 on the front nine, followed by 5 consecutive birdies from holes 10 to 14 on the back nine, quickly reducing his score by 9 strokes. It is noteworthy that Lee Ji-hoon730 operated his 'computer iron shots' throughout all four rounds. He missed the green only twice in the second round and just once in each of the 1st, 3rd, and 4th rounds, demonstrating remarkable precision. At the final 18th hole (par 5), he succeeded in reaching the green in two shots but was disappointed with a 3-putt par. Fortunately, in the playoff, he secured a birdie with a 3-on 1-putt to seal the victory.

Lee Ji-hoon730 got married last December and set up his newlywed home in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province. For this tournament, he stayed at his parents' house in Haeundae, Busan. He smiled brightly, saying, "Maybe because I ate home-cooked meals prepared by my mother, I always performed well in the Busan and Gyeongnam regions. I think this victory is also thanks to my mother's home cooking." His father served as his caddie. Truly, a 'family power.' He added, "I am grateful that the tour is happening despite COVID-19," and said, "I will play joyfully."

Kim Joo-hyung (18, CJ Logistics) made a dramatic eagle with a '2-on 1-putt' at the 18th hole to force the playoff but missed a 1.5-meter birdie putt, ending the second playoff hole. He is a next-generation prospect who won the Asian (APGA) Tour Panasonic Open last November at just 17 years old. He will challenge for another victory at the KPGA Gunsan CC Open (total prize money 500 million KRW) starting on the 9th. 'Order of Merit' leader Moon Kyung-jun (37) finished tied for 3rd place (20 under par 268 strokes), and 'Money List' leader Lee Soo-min (27) ended up tied for 17th place (16 under par 272 strokes).