Young Guns Match 2 Consecutive Wins, Korean Tour QT 18th Place
"This Year's Goals Are Victory and Rookie of the Year Title"
Golf is a mental sport.
Players who demonstrate strong mental strength in crucial moments have a higher chance of winning. There is a promising rookie expected in the 2023 Korea Professional Golfers' Association (KPGA) Korean Tour: Kim Geun-woo, born in 2002. He is the player who achieved back-to-back victories in the 'Young Guns Match Play' during his junior years. In a phone interview with Asia Economy on the 6th, Kim Geun-woo expressed confidence, saying, "I have strong mental fortitude. I will play confidently with the boldness of a rookie."
'Match master' Kim Geun-woo expressed his confident ambition, saying, "I will challenge for the victory and Rookie of the Year on this year's Korean Tour." Photo by KPGA
Kim Geun-woo does not have a particularly flashy amateur career. He started playing golf at the age of 7 while living in the United States with his parents. He did not initially consider a professional career; he approached golf as a hobby with friends. He developed a serious interest in golf in the 4th grade of elementary school. Kim recalled, "At that time, I dreamed of becoming both a soccer player and a golfer," adding, "I found golf more enjoyable, so I picked up a golf club instead of a soccer ball."
From 2017 to 2022, Kim Geun-woo served as a national team reserve player for six years. He said, "I wanted to be part of the Asian Games national team," and expressed regret, "I worked hard for a long time to become a national team member, but ultimately, I was not able to wear the Taegeuk mark." Kim explained, "In 2022, I was not included in the national team roster again, which caused me a lot of 고민, but with the help of those around me, I overcame it well."
Kim Geun-woo gained attention while attending Jungsan High School's golf club. He achieved back-to-back victories in the Young Guns Match Play in 2019 and 2020. The playoff victory at the 2019 tournament held at Elysian Gangchon CC in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, was impressive. In the final against Lim Jun-hyung, he was trailing by 2 holes until the 16th hole, and defeat seemed imminent. However, consecutive birdies on the 17th and 18th holes brought the match back to even, and he secured the winning par in the extended playoff on the 18th hole. As the defending champion at the 2020 tournament held at Oak Valley CC in Wonju, Gangwon Province, he edged out Jang Yoo-bin after a fierce second playoff.
In June 2022, Kim Geun-woo joined the KPGA as a professional through a special admission. This was thanks to his points earned from being a national team reserve player, amateur tournaments organized by the Korea Golf Association (KGA), and the KPGA Srixon (2nd division) Tour. Two months later, he joined the KPGA Tour as a professional and gained experience on the Srixon Tour. Kim said, "Last year, I successfully joined both the KPGA professional and KPGA Tour professional ranks consecutively," adding, "I now have a clear goal to succeed as a professional player."
Last year, Kim Geun-woo participated in seven Srixon Tour events. He ranked 19th in average score (69.60 strokes), 66th in greens in regulation (76.11%), and 27th in putts per hole (1.78). Despite these stats, he finished 102nd in prize money (3,734,573 KRW), which was insufficient to secure a regular tour card. However, in November last year, he secured a ticket to the coveted first division by finishing tied for 18th at the KPGA Korean Tour Qualifying Tournament (QT). Kim said, "Even now, I feel excited and happy," emphasizing, "Now, I just want to achieve good results as a professional player."
Kim Geun-woo's strength lies in his strong mental resilience. He emphasized, "I am a player who does not easily break down," and added, "My greatest strength is calmly overcoming crises without panic."
Kim Geun-woo is seen kissing the trophy after achieving back-to-back wins at the 2020 Young Guns Match Play. Photo by KPGA
Since the 15th of last month, Kim Geun-woo has been undergoing training in Palm Springs, California, USA. He is focusing on improving his putting skills and wedge shots within approximately 100 meters. He is concentrating on clutch abilities and decisive putting, areas he still feels need improvement. Kim said, "To be competitive on the Korean Tour, precise short game skills are essential." He continued, "I corrected my swing last year, which improved my shot feel and helped me apply it well in actual play," adding, "I am working hard to become more comfortable with my shots."
Kim Geun-woo's goals for this year are to win a tournament and earn the Rookie of the Year award. He is receiving help from Lee Jae-kyung, who is three years his senior and training with him. Lee debuted on the Korea Tour in 2019, won once, and received the Rookie of the Year award. He also won the lowest scoring average award in 2020 (69.4 strokes) and secured his second victory at the 2021 Genesis Championship, earning the nickname 'Young Gun.' Kim said, "I ask Jae-kyung hyung many questions and seek various advice," expressing his bold determination, "I want to win and earn Rookie of the Year in my debut season just like him."
Kim Geun-woo will return to Korea on the 28th after about six weeks of training. He will make his first appearance at the Korean Tour opening event, the DB Insurance Promy Open, scheduled for April. Kim said, "Since I can participate in many tournaments this year, I want to grow steadily," but also vowed, "If a winning opportunity comes, I will not miss it."
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