Last Year’s 2nd Place Im Sung-jae "Marching Toward First Major Win", Johnson Aims for 2nd Consecutive Title, McIlroy Challenges ‘Career Grand Slam’
Im Sungjae will challenge again for a major victory at the 'Masters' in the 'Myungin Yeoljeon' tournament.
[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] It is the comeback challenge of Im Sung-jae (23, CJ Logistics).
The Masters, the "Tournament of Champions," held at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, USA (Par 72, 7,475 yards) on the night of the 8th (Korean time), is a fierce battleground. Only 88 players who meet the challenging conditions compete for the "Green Jacket." Last year, it was held in November due to the impact of COVID-19, but this year it will be held normally in April. It is unfortunate that Tiger Woods (USA), who has won 5 times at the Masters, cannot participate due to a car accident.
▲ Im Sung-jae "Filling the 2%" = He is a young representative of Korean men's golf. In 2019, he was the first Asian player to win the Rookie of the Year award, and in March last year, he reached the top in just 50 tournaments at the Honda Classic. He is the 7th Korean winner in history following K.J. Choi (51, SK Telecom), Yang Yong-eun (49), Bae Sang-moon (35), Noh Seung-yul (30), Kim Si-woo (26), and Kang Sung-hoon (34, all CJ Logistics). Last year at the Masters, he made a big issue in his first appearance.
Im Sung-jae started the final day in the champion group and added 3 under par to finish tied for 2nd place (15 under par 273) with Cameron Smith (Australia). It was a historic performance for an Asian player. He drew attention by showing performance on par with the winner, "Number 1" Dustin Johnson (USA). This season, he has three top-10 finishes in 18 tournaments and ranks 17th in prize money ($2.6 million). He expressed confidence, saying, "I will use last year's experience to play well."
▲ Johnson "Going for 2 Consecutive Wins" = This year's Masters' biggest attraction. He has amassed 24 wins including 2 major titles. Since the 2008 Turning Stone Resort Championship, he has won at least once every year, achieving "13 consecutive seasons with a win." He is a "WGC Slammer," having swept all four different World Golf Championships (WGC) series trophies. Last year at the Masters, he demonstrated overwhelming skill and completed a "wire-to-wire" victory.
Johnson overcame the humiliation of starting the final day as leader or co-leader and losing at the 2010, 2015, 2018 US Opens and last year's PGA Championship. He won with the tournament record low score (20 under par 268) and took home $2.07 million (2.3 billion KRW) in prize money. This season, including one win, he has entered the top 10 four times and ranks 3rd in prize money ($3.69 million). He is aiming for back-to-back wins for the first time in 19 years since Woods in 2002.
Rory McIlroy dreams of becoming the 6th player in history to achieve the 'Career Grand Slam' with a Masters victory.
▲ McIlroy "7th Year Challenge" = He consecutively won the 2011 US Open, 2012 PGA Championship, and 2014 The Open. The Masters is the last puzzle to complete the sixth career Grand Slam in golf history. He finished tied 4th in 2015, tied 10th in 2016, tied 7th in 2017, tied 5th in 2018, and tied 21st in 2019. He has warmed up with two top-10 finishes in the last four tournaments.
Jordan Spieth (USA) is a "dark horse." He revived by winning the Texas Open last week, his first victory in 3 years and 9 months. It is his 12th career win following the 2017 Open. He also has good course compatibility, having won the Masters in 2015. "Hulk" Bryson DeChambeau (USA) and "Number 3" Jon Rahm (Spain), who recently became a father before the tournament, are also strong contenders. Korea is represented by "American Express Champion" Kim Si-woo. His best Masters finish is tied 21st in 2019.
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