Kim Juhyung's Fierce Effort "Tied 52nd, 6 Strokes Behind"... Gainey Leads

Puerto Rico Open Day 1: 7 Players Including Gomez Tied for 2nd at 1 Under Par, An Byeonghun Tied for 69th

Kim Joo-hyung is teeing off at the 4th hole on the first day of the Puerto Rico Open. Rio Grande (Puerto Rico) = Getty Images / Multibits Photo by Multibits

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] It is the strong performance of the 'Young Gun' Kim Joo-hyung (19, CJ Logistics).

On the 26th (Korean time), at the Puerto Rico Open (total prize money $3 million) held at the Rio Grande Grand Reserve Golf Course in Puerto Rico (par 72, 7,506 yards), he shot 1-under par on the first day and stood tied for 52nd place. During the same period, world stars participated in the World Golf Championships (WGC) Series Workday Championship (total prize money $10.5 million), making the competition for the win relatively easier. Although the prize money is smaller, the rewards such as a two-year PGA Tour card are the same.

Kim Joo-hyung recorded 6 birdies, 3 bogeys, and 1 double bogey. After a bogey on the 1st hole (par 4), he recovered with a birdie on the 2nd hole (par 5), then swept up 3 birdies on the 5th, 8th, and 9th holes. However, he collapsed with a double bogey on the 10th hole (par 4) followed by consecutive bogeys on the 11th and 12th holes. Fortunately, he secured back-to-back birdies on the 17th and 18th holes, promising a next round. His shot accuracy was low, with a fairway hit rate of 64.29% and green in regulation rate of 61.11%, both in the 60% range. He is 6 strokes behind the leader.

Tommy Gainey (USA) dominated the top of the leaderboard with 9 birdies and 2 bogeys, scoring 7-under par 65. He is a player who has won 3 times on the Korn Ferry (2nd tier) Tour. Fabian Gomez (Argentina) and six others are tied for 2nd place at 6-under par 66. The favorite to win, Brandon Grace (South Africa), started tied for 9th at 5-under par 67. From Korea, An Byeong-hun (30, CJ Logistics) is tied for 69th at even par 72, and Bae Sang-moon (35, Kiwoom Securities) is tied for 81st at 1-over par 73.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.