'Ottogi' Kang Yoon-seok Surprises in the Lead "Announces Escape from Obscurity"... Lee Hyung-joon "Drives 8-Under Par Rally"

On the Second Day of SK Telecom Open, Lee Sang-yeop Adds 4 Under Par to Contend for Lead, 'Top Prize Money Earner' Kim Bi-o Tied for 5th, Choi Kyung-ju Struggles with 3 Over Par

Kang Yoon-seok is teeing off at the 9th hole on the second day of the SK Telecom Open. Photo by KPGA

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist] The resilient Kang Yoon-seok (36) has announced his breakout from obscurity.

On the second day of the KPGA SK Telecom Open (total prize money 1.3 billion KRW) held at Pinx Golf Club (par 71, 7,326 yards) in Seogwipo, Jeju Island on the 3rd, he posted a 4-under-par round to share the lead at 10-under-par 132 with Lee Sang-yeop (28). Kim Min-soo (32) and Kim Jae-ho (40) are in a close chase at joint 3rd place (8-under-par 134), two strokes behind, while Lee Hyung-jun (30) leads the daily best with an 8-under-par round and is positioned at joint 5th place (7-under-par 135).

Kang Yoon-seok entered the Korean Tour in 2012 but had not produced notable results for 11 years. After losing his tour card several times, he revived his career through Qualifying (Q) School, and last year, ranking 109th in the money list, he had to go through Q School again. Above all, his putting average per hole was 2.02 (ranked 108th), indicating struggles on the greens. "I think I couldn’t overcome stress such as nervousness more than my playing ability," he explained, adding, "I have improved a lot recently with the help of a mental coach."

In this tournament, he showcased perfect play over two days with 6-under-par on the first day and 4-under-par on the second. It is interesting that Kang Yoon-seok moved to New Zealand in the second year of middle school, graduated from university there, and holds New Zealand permanent residency, but voluntarily served in the military as a rifleman and communications soldier in an army infantry division, completing his service. This is because of the ‘Korean Dream.’ He added with determination, "I am still young," and "It is never too late to succeed on the Korean Tour."

Lee Hyung-jun is watching the ball immediately after his tee shot on the 9th hole on the second day of the SK Telecom Open. Photo by KPGA

Lee Hyung-jun is a player to watch. With a green hit rate of 88.89% and his ‘needle-like iron shots,’ he made an eagle on the 16th hole (par 5) and collected six birdies. The top contenders include Kim Bi-o (32), currently first in prize money, who joined the joint 5th place and is aiming for his second win this season. Kim Sung-hyun (24, Shinhan Financial Group), a PGA member, posted 2-under-par rounds for two consecutive days and is tied for 28th place (4-under-par 138). ‘Tank’ Choi Kyung-ju (52, SK Telecom) fell back to joint 45th place (2-under-par 140) after struggling with a 3-over-par round.