'Mr. 58' Kim Seong-hyun "Tied 19th in Korn Ferry Tour Debut"... '19-Year-Old Young Gun' Batia Wins

Kim Sung-hyun finished tied for 19th in his PGA Korn Ferry Tour (second-tier) debut. Photo by Shinhan Financial Group

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "3 over par → 1 under par → 2 under par → 4 under par."

'Mr. 58' Kim Seong-hyun (24, Shinhan Financial Group) is off to a strong start on the PGA Korn Ferry Tour (the second-tier tour). On the final day of the 2022 season opener, the Bahamas Great Exuma Classic (total prize money $750,000), held on the 20th (Korean time) at Sandals Emerald Bay Golf Course (par 72) in the Bahamas, he surged with a 4-under-par round to jump to a tie for 19th place (4 under par, 284 strokes). The 19-year-old young gun Axay Bhatia (USA) claimed the victory by 2 strokes (14 under par, 274 strokes).

Kim Seong-hyun has two career wins in Korea and Japan, both majors: the KPGA Championship in August 2020 on the Korean Professional Golf Association (KPGA) Tour and the Japan PGA Championship in July last year on the Japan Golf Tour Organization (JGTO) Tour. At the JGTO Golf Partner Pro-Am Tournament in May, he drew even more spotlight by shooting a 12-under-par 58 on the final day, including two eagles and eight birdies. In November, he crossed over to the U.S. stage by finishing tied for 39th at the Korn Ferry Tour Qualifying Tournament (QT).

He secured entry into the first eight tournaments and now needs to perform as well as possible to prepare for re-ranking. If he finishes in the 'top 25' by year-end, he can advance to the PGA Tour next year. On this day, he recorded one eagle, four birdies, and two bogeys. Although Kim Seong-hyun had a tough debut with 3 over par on the first day, it is noteworthy that his ranking improved as the rounds progressed. His 4-round average greens in regulation rate was an impressive 84.72%, showcasing his 'computer iron shots.' Kim Min-hwi (30) and Bae Sang-moon (36) were cut.