'Korean Duo' Im Sung-jae and Kim Si-woo: "The Key to Winning Medals is Pinpoint Iron Shots"

Tokyo Olympics Men's Golf Opens on 29th, Medal Competition Begins with 'The Open Champ' Morikawa and Other World Stars

Im Sung-jae (left) and Kim Si-woo are determined to perform well ahead of the first round of the Tokyo Olympics.

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "The keyword is pinpoint iron shots."

The 'Korean duo' Im Sung-jae (23) and Kim Si-woo (26, both from CJ Logistics) unitedly stated before the first round of the men's golf event at the Tokyo Olympics on the 29th, held at Kasumigaseki Golf Club in Saitama Prefecture, Japan (par 71, 7,447 yards), "Every shot is important, but due to the course characteristics, the accuracy of iron shots is crucial." They added, "It is an honor to represent the Taegeuk mark at the Olympics," and expressed their determination, "We will do our best until the end to challenge for a medal."

Im Sung-jae has particular experience playing on the Japan Golf Tour Organization (JGTO) during 2016-2017. He said, "The course conditions are good," and added, "Coach K.J. Choi instructed that iron shots must be placed within 3 meters of the pin without fail." Kim Si-woo also expressed confidence, saying, "I arrived in Japan via Korea in mid-month and have adjusted to the time difference," and "Through practice rounds, I am focusing on precise shots suited to various pin positions."

Both players have skipped the final major of the 2021 season, The Open Championship, earlier this month to fully commit to the Olympics. It is interesting that winning a medal is directly linked to the enormous reward of a 'military service exemption.' When asked by foreign media about the military benefits, they responded, "We will focus solely on the competition." It is noteworthy that Im Sung-jae is ranked 6th among the 'top contenders.' Alongside 'The Open Champion' Collin Morikawa (USA) and Rory McIlroy (Ireland), he is grouped in the 'star attraction' and will start the first round at 10:25 a.m.