Kim Joo-hyung Invited by Woods to Compete in December Hero World Challenge

Lowest at World Ranking 21 but Unusual Invitation

Photo of Kim Juhyung's birdie ceremony provided by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Seohee Lee] Kim Juhyung (20) will participate in the 'Hero World Challenge,' an event tournament hosted by the Tiger Woods Foundation, held this December.

On the 4th (local time), the Tiger Woods Foundation finalized and announced the list of 17 players participating in the Hero World Challenge. Alongside world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler (USA), Xander Schauffele, Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Will Zalatoris, Sam Burns, Jordan Spieth (all USA), Jon Rahm (Spain), Hideki Matsuyama (Japan), Viktor Hovland (Norway), and Matt Fitzpatrick (England), Im Sungjae (24) and Kim Juhyung were also included.

This is the first time Im Sungjae and Kim Juhyung will participate in this tournament.

The Hero World Challenge, held over four days starting December 1 in the Bahamas, is not a regular tournament but is considered a premier event featuring only the top 20 players in the world rankings. Additionally, it is unusual for an event tournament to award world ranking points.

Participants are selected based on world rankings and the preferences of the host, Woods. Of the 17 players confirmed this time, 16 are top-tier players ranked within the top 20 worldwide. Six players are ranked within the top 10.

Im Sungjae, ranked 18th in the world, was already invited in September. Kim Juhyung, ranked 21st, is the lowest-ranked among the 17 invited players this time. Woods appears to have recognized Kim Juhyung's appeal as a player, including his performance and dazzling showmanship displayed at the Presidents Cup.

The remaining three players are expected to be selected and announced later. Woods' own participation is undecided.