Kang Seonghoon "Targeting Niche Markets"... Warenski 'Title Defense'

'Modified Stableford' Barracuda Championship Slump Breakout Opportunity, Bae Sang-moon Joins

[Asia Economy Golf Specialist Reporter Kim Hyun-jun] It is Kang Sung-hoon’s (34, CJ Logistics, photo) strategy to target a ‘niche market.’

On the night of the 5th (Korean time), he will compete in the PGA Tour Barracuda Championship (total prize money $3.5 million) opening at the Tahoe Mountain Golf Course in Truckee, California (par 71, 7,425 yards). While world stars participate in the World Golf Championships (WGC) FedEx St. Jude Invitational (total prize money $10.5 million) during the same period, making the competition for the championship relatively easier, the rewards such as a two-year PGA Tour card are the same.

Kang Sung-hoon is the 2019 AT&T Byron Nelson champion. After entering the PGA Tour in 2011, he became the sixth Korean player ever to win a championship after ‘8 years and 159 events.’ He further established his presence with a runner-up finish at the Genesis Invitational last February. However, this year he has faced difficulties, missing the cut 16 times in 29 tournaments. His overall performance is struggling, with a fairway hit rate of 55.16% (ranked 182nd) and a greens in regulation rate of 61.18% (ranked 192nd). Escaping this slump is urgent.

What’s interesting is that this tournament uses the ‘Modified Stableford’ scoring system. Points are awarded as follows: albatross 8 points, eagle 5 points, birdie 2 points, par 0 points, bogey -1 point, and double bogey or worse -3 points, with the total points accumulated per hole. This scoring encourages players to adopt an aggressive style aiming for birdies or better. Defending champion Richy Werenski is a player to watch. Troy Merritt (both from the U.S.) is aiming to avenge his two consecutive runner-up finishes. South Korea is represented by Bae Sang-moon (35), who is accompanying the event.