'Title Contender' Kim Min-gyu Withdraws from Asian Tour Due to Traffic Accident

Kim Min-gyu. Photo by KPGA

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hee-jun] Bad news has come for Kim Min-gyu (21), who was ranked number one domestically and considered a strong favorite to win the Asian Tour International Series. He was involved in a traffic accident the day before the tournament, resulting in his withdrawal.

Kim Min-gyu will not participate in the Asian Tour LIV International Series Korea (total prize money $1.5 million), held over four days starting from the 18th at Lotte Skyhill CC in Seogwipo, Jeju.

Earlier, on the 17th, a day before the tournament, Kim Min-gyu was involved in a traffic accident on a rainy road while traveling to the tournament venue and received minor treatment at a hospital. After treatment, he returned to his accommodation to rest, but decided not to participate due to his condition not being normal.

Kim Min-gyu’s side stated, "Although he received physical therapy after the traffic accident, his condition did not improve, so he decided to undergo additional detailed examinations in Seoul. Based on the test results, he will decide whether to participate in the Gunsan CC Open scheduled for next week."

Kim Min-gyu is a promising player who was selected as the youngest ever national representative in 2015. He won the Kolon Korean Open held last June and currently ranks first in both prize money and points on the Korean Professional Golf Association (KPGA) Korean Tour this season. He is also ranked fifth in prize money on the Asian Tour.