Sungjae Im "Targeting Niche Markets"... Who Is the Second 'Early Bird'?

PGA Tour 2021/2022 Season Round 2 Sanderson Farms Debut, Garcia 'Title Defense', Kim Siwoo and Lee Kyung-hoon Join

Sungjae Im will compete in the second event of the PGA Tour 2021/2022 season, the Sanderson Farms Championship.

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "Targeting niche markets."

Im Sung-jae (23, CJ Logistics) is making his first appearance of the new season. The Sanderson Farms Championship (total prize money $7 million), held at Jackson Golf Club in Mississippi, USA (par 72, 7,461 yards) on the night of the 30th (Korean time), is the second stage of the 2021/2022 PGA Tour season. World stars are taking a break right after the Ryder Cup, the intercontinental golf competition between the USA and the European Union, making the competition for the title relatively easier. Defending champion Sergio Garcia (Spain) is aiming to defend his title.

Im Sung-jae was named PGA Tour Rookie of the Year in 2019 and achieved his first victory at the Honda Classic last March in just his 50th event. He drew even more spotlight by finishing second at the 'Fall Masters' in November. This year, he has shown consistency with five top-10 finishes in 35 tournaments. His third-place finish at the BMW Championship, the second round of the Playoffs (PO) in August, was somewhat disappointing. After successfully qualifying for the Tour Championship, the final third round featuring only 30 players for two consecutive years, he took a sweet rest to recharge his energy.

For Garcia, this is the 'promised land' where he won by one stroke last year. He reached his 11th PGA Tour victory after a long 3 years and 6 months since the 2017 Masters. This is why he chose to continue his busy schedule following the Ryder Cup. Matthew Wolff and Will Zalatoris (USA), known for their 'twist swing,' have joined the field. Korea is represented by Kim Si-woo (26), Lee Kyung-hoon (30), Kang Sung-hoon (34, all CJ Logistics), and Noh Seung-yul (31), all aiming to be 'early birds.'