'Mexico Expedition' Thomas: "Hungry for Victory"... What About the K Squad?

'Autumn Series Final' Mayakoba Classic "Returning After 5 Years", Todd 'Title Defense', 4 Koreans Including An Byeonghun Compete

World No. 3 Justin Thomas is aiming for his first win of the season at the Mayakoba Golf Classic.

[Asia Economy Golf Specialist Reporter Kim Hyun-jun] "Top 10 three times in the last four tournaments."

World No. 3 Justin Thomas (USA) is frustrated after repeatedly falling short at the doorstep of victory. This is why he flew to Mexico for the first time in five years. The PGA Tour Mayakoba Golf Classic (total prize money $7.2 million), opening on the night of the 3rd (Korean time) at Playa El Camaleon Golf Club in Mexico (par 71, 7,039 yards), is the final event of the 2020/2021 season 'Fall Series.' The tour will resume next January at the Sentry Tournament.

Thomas swept three wins in the 2019/2020 season to become the leading money winner. He secured his third win in August at the FedEx St. Jude Invitational, following The CJ Cup in October last year (counted in the 2020 season) and the Sentry Tournament last January. It is rather surprising that he has not won since then. He fell behind Dustin Johnson (USA) in the 'No. 1 competition,' and showed a lack of finishing power in majors, such as tied 8th at the US Open in September and 4th at the Masters in November.

It is interesting that the Fall Series is usually a 'niche market' where world stars take a break. However, this time, due to the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Brooks Koepka, Daniel Berger, Tony Finau, and Rickie Fowler (all USA) have joined, making the race for victory tough. Koepka has entered 'revival mode' with tied 5th at the Houston Open and tied 7th at the Masters, and Finau is on the rise with tied 8th at the US Open.

Defending champion Brendan Todd (USA) is a player to watch. He has thrilling memories of winning by one stroke (20-under 264) last year amid bad weather. He is challenging to become the first to win back-to-back titles in the history of this tournament. The 'Mexican squad,' including Carlos Ortiz and Abraham Ancer, is defending their home course. Ortiz has already hunted for his second win by capturing the Houston Open, adding a revenge element after finishing tied 2nd last year.

The PGA Tour has identified Harris English and Patton Kizzire (both USA) as dark horses. Korea is represented by An Byeong-hun (29), Kang Sung-hoon (33), Lee Kyoung-hoon (29, all CJ Logistics), and 'Tank' Choi Kyung-ju (50, SK Telecom). First, a turnaround in momentum is urgent. An Byeong-hun and Kang Sung-hoon have missed the cut four times, and Lee Kyoung-hoon five times, walking a thorny path. Choi Kyung-ju, who is also playing on the Champions (Senior) Tour this year, is in a similar situation.