Korean Corps '3 Wins 1 Loss Combined'... "We Lost but Fought Well"

‘International Team’ Presidents Cup Final Day Singles 5 Wins 1 Draw 6 Losses
Kim Siwoo, Im Sungjae, Lee Kyunghoon ‘Victory Reports’…Kim Juhyung ‘1 Hole Defeat’
‘USA Team’ 17.5-12.5 Victory ‘9 Consecutive Wins’…Next Tournament in 2024 Montreal

Kim Si-woo is roaring after making a birdie on the 16th hole in the singles match against Justin Thomas on the final day of the Presidents Cup. Charlotte, USA - Photo by AFP and Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] The ‘International Team’ troubled the ‘USA Team’ until the very end.

On the final day of the 2022 Presidents Cup held on the 25th (local time) at Quail Hollow Club (par 71, 7,521 yards) in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA, the International Team recorded 5 wins, 1 draw, and 6 losses in the 12 singles matches. Although they lost with an overall score of 12.5-17.5, they showed formidable performance. The USA Team continued their 9 consecutive wins, maintaining an overwhelming record of 12 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss. The Presidents Cup is an intercontinental golf competition where the USA Team faces the International Team, which excludes Europe. A win earns 1 point, and a draw earns 0.5 points.

The International Team was overwhelmingly defeated 2-8 by the USA Team in the first day’s five foursomes (a format where two players alternate hitting one ball) and the second day’s five fourballs (a format where each player plays their own ball and the better score on each hole counts). However, on the third day, they added 5 points with 2 wins and 2 losses in four foursomes matches, and 3 wins and 1 loss in four fourballs matches, closing the gap to 7-11.

Although the International Team was expected to struggle against the USA Team, who are significantly ahead in the world rankings, they surprisingly performed well. The Korean players, who were the largest group with 4 out of 12 players, stood out with a combined record of 3 wins and 1 loss. Kim Si-woo (27) defeated Justin Thomas by 1 hole in one match. The match was tight until the 17th hole, but Kim secured a crucial birdie on the final 18th hole (par 4), delivering the first victory. His overall record in this tournament was 3 wins and 1 loss. “My goal was to play through the 18th hole,” said Kim Si-woo. “It was a tough match, but I’m very happy to win. Yesterday, Kim Joo-hyung (20) gave me good energy, which helped me win,” he cheered.

Im Sung-jae (24) added 1 point by defeating Cameron Young by 1 hole in his 8th match. His record over four days was 2 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses. Lee Kyoung-hoon (31), making his first appearance in the Presidents Cup, also earned a concession from Billy Horschel on the 17th hole (par 4) in his 9th match. Lee finished his debut with a solid record of 2 wins and 1 loss.

The youngest participant, Kim Joo-hyung (20), lost by 1 hole to Max Homa in his 10th match. Although he led by 3 holes after 11 holes, he lost the 12th, 13th, 14th, and 15th holes, allowing a comeback. However, the ‘Energizer’ Kim Joo-hyung achieved 2 consecutive wins by pairing with Lee Kyoung-hoon in the morning foursomes on the third day and with Kim Si-woo in the afternoon fourballs. Notably, he made eagles in two consecutive matches, emerging as the top star. Kim Joo-hyung’s record in this year’s Presidents Cup was 2 wins and 3 losses. The next tournament will be held at the Royal Montreal Club in Canada in 2024.