CJ Cup in the US 'Exciting'... Thomas Says "Going for 3 Wins at the Tournament~"

Perfect Promotion and Cost Savings, World No.1 Johnson Tests Positive for COVID-19 and Withdraws, No.2-4 All Participate, Korea Led by Kim Siwoo and Im Sungjae

Justin Thomas aims for his third victory at The CJ Cup with a consecutive win.

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] "There are advantages as well."

This is about the PGA Tour's The CJ Cup (total prize money $9.75 million). Since its inception in 2017, it was held at Jeju's Nine Bridges Golf Club as the only PGA Tour event in Korea, but this year it moved to the United States. This was an unavoidable measure due to the global spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Starting from the 16th (Korean time), the tournament kicks off over four days at Shadow Creek Golf Course (par 72, 7,634 yards) in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Although domestic golf fans missed the chance to watch in person, the title sponsor benefits greatly. Since it is held on the U.S. mainland, the promotional effect is perfect. American viewers can watch the broadcast at a convenient time. This is good news for CJ Group, which is focusing on penetrating the U.S. market. Although world No. 1 Dustin Johnson (USA) is absent due to testing positive for COVID-19, players ranked 2nd to 4th have entered, making it a top-tier match. Costs are also reduced as there is no need for appearance fees, flights, or accommodation support.

World No. 3 Justin Thomas (USA) is aiming for his second consecutive win. In 2017, he became the inaugural champion after a fierce battle with Mark Leishman (Australia) that went to the second hole of a playoff, and last year he secured a two-stroke victory by shooting 5-under on the final day. He is truly "The Man of The CJ Cup." He tuned his shot form by finishing tied for 8th at last month's U.S. Open. He expressed his regret at not being able to see Korean fans and stated his determination to challenge for his third win.

World No. 1 Dustin Johnson will miss the event due to testing positive for COVID-19, but No. 2 Jon Rahm and No. 4 Rory McIlroy (from left) among the 2nd to 4th ranked players will participate in the CJ Cup.

Johnson's absence is regrettable. In his last five tournaments, he finished in the top 2 four times, including two wins, and was ranked No. 1 in the PGA Tour's predicted "Power Rankings." Matthew Wolff (USA) is a dark horse. Last week at the Shriners Children's Open held at TPC Summerlin, he posted under-par scores throughout all four rounds and finished second. World No. 2 Jon Rahm (Spain), No. 4 Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland), and 2018 champion Brooks Koepka (USA) have also joined the competition for the title.

Korea is led by Kim Si-woo (25, CJ Logistics). He is the first Asian player to win two PGA Tour events before turning 22, including the 2016 Wyndham Championship and the 2017 "fifth major" The Players Championship. He entered the season's first top 10 last week by finishing tied for 8th. In the first round, he will play alongside McIlroy and Sergio Garcia (Spain). Im Sung-jae (21, CJ Logistics) is also aiming to become the first Korean to win this tournament. He was crowned the first Asian Rookie of the Year last year.

He finally secured his PGA Tour victory at the Honda Classic in March. He is grouped with past winners Thomas and Koepka. An Byeong-hun (29) and Kang Sung-hoon (33), as well as Lee Kyoung-hoon (29, all CJ Logistics), will participate in the sponsor's tournament. Kim Sung-hyun (22) and Kim Han-byul (24, both Golfzon), Lee Jae-kyung (21, CJ O Shopping), Lee Tae-hee (36, OK Savings Bank), Ham Jung-woo (26, Hana Financial Group), and Kim Joo-hyung (19, CJ Logistics), who are active on the Korean Professional Golf Association (KPGA) Korean Tour, are also looking for opportunities.