Asiad CC Busan Open Final Day Third Extra Hole Winning Birdie "Korean Tour Champion After 5 Years", Kwon Osang 2nd Place
Hwang Jung-gon is taking a commemorative photo immediately after winning the Asia CC Busan Open. Photo by KPGA
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist] "A thrilling victory kiss after 5 years."
The ‘Real Man’ Hwang Jung-gon (30) secured a Korean Tour victory after an extended playoff battle. On the final day of the KPGA Asiad CC Busan Open (total prize money 800 million KRW) held at Busan Asiad Golf Club (par 71, 7,056 yards) on the 3rd, he faltered with a 1-under par but tied for the lead with Kwon Oh-sang (27) at 14-under par 270. However, on the third hole of the resumed playoff at the 18th hole (par 4), he finally sank the winning birdie. This marks his third career win, following the KPGA Championship in June 2017, with a winner’s prize of 160 million KRW.
Hwang Jung-gon has earned three domestic wins including the Maeil Dairies Open in August 2014, and four wins on the Japan Golf Tour (JGTO) including the Mizuno Open in 2011, the Casio World Open in 2012 and 2015, and the Mynavi ABC Championship in 2019. After enlisting following the 2019 season, he was discharged in November last year and has shown an upward trend by qualifying for the main event in all eight tournaments this year. It was surprising that he struggled with three birdies and two bogeys on the day despite starting with a 3-shot lead.
Hwang Jung-gon is cheering immediately after winning the Asia CC Busan Open in a playoff. Photo by KPGA
The highlight was the 5-meter birdie putt on the final 18th hole (par 4). The first and second playoff holes ended in pars, and on the third playoff hole with a changed pin position, he sank a 1.5-meter birdie putt to seal the victory. Hwang Jung-gon, who said, "Even while serving as a public service worker for 21 months, I went to the golf course on weekends to maintain my shot feel," also cheered, "I’m happy to win sooner than I expected." He added his ambition, "I have never won twice in a year, but this season I definitely want to become a multiple winner."
Kwon Oh-sang advanced to the playoff with back-to-back spurts, shooting 8-under par daily best in the third round and 4-under par in the fourth round, but fell short by ‘2%’. Since his debut in 2018, he has never ranked within the top 70 in prize money over five seasons. He was satisfied with his career-best result. Lee Joon-seok (Australia) finished third (12-under par 272). The two consecutive wins attempt by ‘Korean Open Champion’ Kim Min-kyu (21, CJ Logistics) ended at a tie for 13th place (7-under par 277).
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