‘Taekwonman’ Hoblan "8-under par surge in Abu Dhabi~"… What about ‘Number 2’ Morikawa?

DP World Tour Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship Day 1: Jamieson Leads at 9 Under, Morikawa Tied 90th at 1 Over

Viktor Hovland is walking on the 13th hole on the first day of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. Abu Dhabi (UAE) = Getty Images / Multibits

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] 'Taekwondo Man' Viktor Hovland (Norway) makes an early sprint.

On the 21st (Korean time), at Yas Links in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) (Par 72, 7,425 yards), the first day of the DP World Tour (European Tour) 'Rolex Series Round 1' Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship (total prize money $8 million) ended with him shooting 8-under par, placing him in 2nd place, just one stroke behind. Scott Jamieson (Scotland) took a surprising lead at 9-under par, while world No. 2 Collin Morikawa (USA) remained tied for 90th after a '1-over par rollercoaster performance.'

Hovland is the 'first Norwegian PGA champion.' In June 2019, during the US Open, he caused a sensation by setting the amateur low score record (4-under par 280) for the first time in 59 years. After turning professional, he immediately won the Puerto Rico Open in February 2020 and the Mayakoba Classic in December. Last year, despite several near misses including runner-up finishes at the Farmers Open in January and the Workday Championship in February, he gained momentum again by winning the Worldwide Technology Championship in December, which counted toward the 2022 season.

After sweeping the PGA Tour's premier event, the Hero World Challenge, he is now on his 'Abu Dhabi expedition.' He is widely known among domestic fans as a taekwondo black belt holder, having trained for 7 years as a child. In June last year, he already recorded his first DP World Tour victory at the BMW International, and now, just 7 months later, he is advancing toward his 'second career win.' On this day, he combined 9 birdies and 1 bogey, including three consecutive birdies from holes 6 to 8.

Collin Morikawa is looking at the ball right after his tee shot on the 18th hole on the first day of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. Abu Dhabi (UAE) = Getty Images / Multibits

Defending champion Tyrrell Hatton is tied for 4th at 6-under par, joined by two-time consecutive winner Tommy Fleetwood (England, 2017-2018) and 2019 champion Shane Lowry (Ireland). Morikawa was held back on the greens. It is interesting that this tournament presents an opportunity for him to rise to No. 1 with a victory. The second round has become even more crucial. Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) also showed little presence, tied for 77th at even par.