Kang Sung-hoon's Determined Comeback: "Escaping the 'Cut Off' Four Times in a Row"

Targeting Niche Markets at John Deere Classic, Glover 'Title Defense', Tigal? 'Rematch', No Seung-yeol Joins

Kang Sung-hoon aims to break free from his slump at the John Deere Classic.

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] Kang Sung-hoon (35) breaks out of his slump.

On the night of the 30th (Korean time), the PGA Tour John Deere Classic (total prize money $7.1 million) kicks off at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois, USA (par 71, 7,268 yards), a fiercely contested venue. Top-ranked players such as Scottie Scheffler (USA), Jon Rahm (Spain), and Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) are largely absent. From Korea, only Noh Seung-yul (31) is participating, while Lee Kyoung-hoon (31), who won the AT&T twice in a row, Im Sung-jae (24), the Shriners champ, and Kim Si-woo (27) have chosen to rest.

Kang Sung-hoon is a veteran who joined the PGA Tour in 2011. In May 2019, he won the AT&T Byron Nelson, joining the ranks of PGA Tour champions. He is the sixth Korean champion in history, following 'Tank' Choi Kyung-ju (52), Yang Yong-eun (50), Bae Sang-moon (36), Noh Seung-yul, and Kim Si-woo. However, he has shown signs of a slump since 2020. He played 31 tournaments in the 2020/2021 season and 25 tournaments in the 2021/2022 season but did not enter the 'Top 10' in any. This year, his best result is a tie for 22nd at the Puerto Rico Open in March.

This season's performance is serious. He has missed the cut 14 times. From last month's Wells Fargo Championship to last week's Travelers Championship, he failed to advance to the final round in four consecutive tournaments. His world ranking has dropped to 565th. His fairway hit rate is 60.55% (100th), and his greens in regulation rate is 65.77% (102nd). The number of putts per round has soared to 29.04 (135th). It is time to review all aspects including driving, irons, and putting.

Lucas Glover is aiming for his second consecutive win at the John Deere Classic.

Lucas Glover (USA) is aiming for his second consecutive win. Last year, he shot 7 under par on the final day to complete a two-stroke come-from-behind victory. It was his fourth career win, his first in 10 years and 2 months since the Wells Fargo Championship in May 2011. Sahith Theegala (USA) seeks revenge. On the final day of the Travelers Championship, he was leading by one stroke going into the last 18th hole (par 4) but collapsed with a double bogey, losing the victory he almost had. The return of Steve Stricker (USA), who achieved three consecutive wins from 2009 to 2011, is also a hot topic.