Sanghyun Park "Comeback Show from 5-Stroke Deficit"..."I am the Opening Round Champ"

DB Insurance Promy Open Final Day 4-Under Par '11th Career Win', Lee Hyeongjun and Jo Seongmin Tied for 2nd, Kim Mingyu 5th

Sanghyun Park is teeing off at the 1st hole on the final day of the DB Insurance Promy Open. Photo by KPGA

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] It was a comeback drama by veteran Park Sang-hyun (39, Dong-A Pharmaceutical).

On the 17th, at the Old Course of La Vie Belle Golf Club in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province (par 71, 7,148 yards), the final day of the KPGA Korean Tour 2022 season opener DB Insurance Pro-Am Open (total prize money 700 million won) ended with Park shooting 4 under par to secure a one-stroke victory (10 under par 274). This marked his 11th career win, seven months after winning the DGB Financial Group Irvine Open last September, with a winner's prize of 140 million won.

Starting from a tie for 8th place, five strokes behind, Park recorded one eagle, four birdies, and two bogeys. After a bogey on the 2nd hole (par 4), he made consecutive birdies on the 5th and 6th holes and an eagle on the 8th hole (par 4), beginning his serious pursuit of the lead. In the back nine, after a bogey on the 11th hole (par 4), he reduced one stroke on the 15th hole (par 5) and sealed his thrilling come-from-behind victory with a long-range birdie putt on the final 18th hole (par 4). Park Sang-hyun will be competing in both the Japan Golf Tour Organization (JGTO) and the domestic tour this year.

“Reservist” Lee Hyung-joon (30, Welcome Savings Bank) lost one stroke with two birdies and three bogeys, finishing tied for 2nd place (9 under par 275). Jo Sung-min (37) and Lee Jun-seok (Australia) also joined this group. Kim Min-kyu (21, CJ Logistics) shot 3 under par to climb to 5th place (8 under par 276). A quadruple bogey on the 11th hole (par 4) was regrettable. Lee Sang-yeop (28), who was the leader the previous day, collapsed with 9 over par and dropped to a tie for 17th place (2 under par 282).