Lee Chang-woo Leads "Return of the Amateur Champ"... Kim Seong-hyun Tied for 2nd Place

Day 3 of Choi Kyung-Joo Invitational: Jo Seong-Min Joins Tied 2nd with Daily Bests of 1 Under Par and 2 Under Par

Lee Chang-woo is watching the ball immediately after the tee shot on the 9th hole on the third day of the Choi Kyung-ju Invitational. Photo by KPGA

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist] "The Return of the Amateur Champion."

Lee Chang-woo (27) added 1-under par on the third day of the KPGA Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance Choi Kyung-ju Invitational (total prize money 1 billion KRW) held on the 26th at Ferrum Golf Club in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province (par 72, 7,235 yards), rising to the top spot by 1 stroke at 2-under par 214. Kim Sung-hyun (22), the KPGA Championship winner, is tied for second place at 1-under par 215. Jo Sung-min (35) led the daily best score of 2-under par and joined a tie for second place along with Ham Jung-woo (26), Jeon Jae-han (30), and Lee Tae-hoon (30).

Lee Chang-woo is a player who caused a sensation by winning the Korean Tour Dongbu Insurance Promy Open in 2013 as an amateur. It is surprising that he has not performed well since turning professional. Starting the day tied for 8th place, 5 strokes behind, he recorded 3 birdies and 2 bogeys. It is worth noting that only two players posted under-par scores on this difficult course. "I think I am playing on the toughest course this year," he said, "so maintaining my score is important," showing his determination.

Kim Sung-hyun made 1 birdie and 3 bogeys, and especially suffered a critical triple bogey on the 15th hole (par 4), losing 5 strokes. His tee shot pushed to the right, and his second shot over the trees flew into the woods, resulting in a penalty stroke. It was a '5 on and 2 putts.' He is just 1 stroke behind the leader, keeping him well within the competition for the win. Jo Sung-min has emerged as a dark horse. Kim Tae-hoon (35) and Kim Bi-o (30) are following closely, tied for 7th place at even par 216.