Im Sungjae's Return "End of COVID-19"... Scheffler "Relief from Major Cut Off"

Overcoming COVID-19, PGA Tour Charles Schwab Challenge Returns on Night of 26th, Cockrak to Defend Title

Im Sung-jae overcomes COVID-19 and heads to the Charles Schwab Challenge.

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] The return of 'Shriners Champ' Im Sung-jae (24, CJ Logistics).

The Charles Schwab Challenge (total prize money $8.4 million), part of the PGA Tour, opens on the night of the 26th (Korean time) at Colonial Golf Club (par 70, 7,209 yards) near Fort Worth, Texas. Defending champion Jason Kokrak aims to defend his title, while last year's runner-up Jordan Spieth seeks redemption, each with their own dreams. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler (all from the U.S.) is looking to make up for missing the cut at the second major of the 2022 season, the PGA Championship, which ended on the 23rd.

Im Sung-jae returned to Korea earlier this month to participate in the Korean Professional Golf (KPGA) Korean Tour Woori Financial Championship after a long absence of 2 years and 7 months but was hampered by COVID-19. He pushed through a demanding schedule ahead of the major but ended up missing the PGA Championship after self-quarantine. The 'sub-sponsor' Woori Financial's eagerness for promotion backfired. Fortunately, he departed again on the 23rd to regroup. Lee Kyung-hoon (31), who won the 'AT&T back-to-back,' is accompanying him.

Kokrak recalls thrilling memories of his second career win last year when he faced Spieth on the final day, following his success at the CJ Cup in October 2020, which was included in the 2021 season, marking a '232nd try success.' Spieth is the 'top favorite' to win. He has been particularly strong on Texas courses, winning the Texas Open in April last year and the RBC Heritage last month. At the RBC Heritage, he notably defeated 'Playoff (PO) Champ' Patrick Cantlay (U.S.) in a playoff, drawing even more spotlight.

Jordan Spieth has embarked on a quest for his second victory at the Charles Schwab Challenge.

Spieth demonstrated his 'Texas power' once again by finishing runner-up at the AT&T Byron Nelson on the 16th, where Lee Kyung-hoon won. Scheffler is a player to watch out for. In his last nine tournaments, including the Masters, he has claimed four victories, dominating not only in wins but also in world ranking points (9.66), prize money ($10.3 million), and FedEx Cup points (2,842), maintaining a solo lead in all personal titles. His 'cut off' at the PGA Championship was unexpected. His iron shots faltered, making for a tough two days.

The 'return match' between PGA Championship champ Justin Thomas and runner-up Will Zalatoris is another point of interest. Thomas reached his 15th career win by scoring 2-under in a three-hole playoff, while Zalatoris was left wanting more. The performance of Mito Pereira (Chile) has become an off-course topic. On the final day of the PGA Championship, he lost a major victory after a double bogey on the last 18th hole (par 4), where he had been leading by one stroke.