The 'Monster' Who Returned to Korea After 16 Years Has Been Sharpening His Iron Skills

Interview with KPGA Lifetime Exempt Player Kim Kyung-tae

"Everyone thought I was consistent without ups and downs. I also went through a lot of emotional struggles because of my performance."

Reflecting on the past two years, Kim Kyung-tae opened up. In December 2019, at the Casio World Open, he won for the first time in three years and six months. It was a valuable achievement after overcoming a long slump. Expectations for the next season were high. However, the situation reversed when COVID-19 broke out the following year and tournaments were canceled one after another. To make matters worse, an injury to his right back area recurred. Kim Kyung-tae recalled, "Every win is precious, but the Casio World Open is special because I won it during the toughest time of my life," adding, "It was a win that was joyful but also somewhat bittersweet."

Kim Kyung-tae returning to the domestic stage
Photo by Yonhap News

The ‘monster’ Kim Kyung-tae, challenging for a win after two years, is returning to the Korean Tour. It is his first time back in 16 years since moving to Japan in 2008. When meeting with Asia Economy on the 17th, Kim Kyung-tae explained the background of his return to Korea, saying, "I went through difficult times alone in Japan, and I desperately needed my family’s support." Advice from fellow players who were active in Japan, such as Han Seung-soo, Lee Won-jun, and Cho Min-gyu, also influenced his decision. He said, "I often heard from those around me that the domestic tour environment has improved so much compared to before," and added, "I was also impressed by how domestic younger players are achieving results without falling behind foreign players."

At the same time, obtaining the status of a ‘lifetime tour card holder’ was also a key factor. This year, the KPGA changed the criteria for lifetime tour card holders from ‘players with 25 or more career wins’ to ‘players with 20 career wins and winners of the four major tournaments.’ Having accumulated 6 wins domestically and 14 wins in Japan, he became the sixth lifetime tour card holder. Compared to seniors like Han Jang-sang (83) and Choi Sang-ho (68), he is very young. Kim Kyung-tae hinted, "Winning is temporary, but a lifetime tour card lasts forever," and said, "I received more congratulatory calls than when I won."

Although he was recognized for his outstanding skills since his amateur days, his golf career was far from glamorous. The days when he was happy with good results were brief, and the times he spent struggling when games did not go well were much longer. During those times, he would sit alone in his hotel room and reflect. Contrary to his nickname ‘monster,’ his actual personality is more reserved than tough. Kim Kyung-tae said, "Even when I’m having a hard time, I prefer spending time alone rather than meeting friends or drinking," and added, "I realized that the only way to overcome a slump is to quietly practice."

Kim Kyung-tae smiling brightly
Photo by Yonhap News

The answer he found after going around in circles was ultimately ‘the basics.’ This was also advice from his father, a former pro, who emphasized fundamentals so much that he told him to check from the grip and address. Kim Kyung-tae went back to basics and started by checking his iron shots, which he was most confident in. He emphasized, "I realized that the iron shots, which I thought were my greatest weapon throughout my life playing golf, had collapsed," and said, "Instead of trying to fix weaknesses, I focused on not losing my strengths, dedicated myself to recovering my condition, and rebuilt from the foundation."

Although he went through a lot of emotional struggles, he has never regretted becoming a golfer. His belief that picking up golf clubs was the right choice remains unchanged. Kim Kyung-tae said, "Sometimes it’s true that it’s so hard I want to give everything up, but when I overcome that and lift a trophy, I feel an indescribable sense of accomplishment," and added, "I have gained so much as a golfer. I am always grateful that I live receiving more love than I deserve compared to my abilities."

Currently, Kim Kyung-tae is focusing on training in Thailand. When asked about his determination for this season, he expressed, "I don’t have any special goals," and said, "I want to make this a year to regain my confidence." His goal for this year is to show the skills he once displayed confidently on the field again.