Reserved National Team for Hangzhou Asian Games Participation
KPGA Srixon Tour 1st Tournament 7-Stroke Victory
Amateur powerhouse Jang Yu-bin dominated the Korea Professional Golf Association (KPGA) Srixon (2nd division) Tour.
On the 29th, Jang Yu-bin shot a 10-under-par 61 in the final second round of the 2023 Srixon Tour 1st tournament (total prize money 80 million KRW) held at Solago Country Club Sol Course (par 71, 7,208 yards) in Taean, Chungnam, securing a commanding victory with a total score of 17-under-par 125.
Amateur Jang Yu-bin is teeing off at the 1st hole of the 2023 KPGA Srixon Tour Round 1. [Photo by KPGA]
Jang Yu-bin showcased flawless play by recording 10 birdies without a single bogey. He comfortably distanced himself by 7 strokes from second-place Park Hyung-wook (10-under-par 132). This is a record-tying largest winning margin in the Srixon Tour. An amateur winning on the Srixon Tour is only the second time in history since Park Jun-hong in September 2021 (16th tournament).
Jang Yu-bin won the Korea Golf Association President’s Cup Amateur Golf Championship last April and was selected as a national representative to participate in the Hangzhou Asian Games this coming September. He also claimed gold in the individual event at the 2019 National Sports Festival and topped the podium at the 2022 World University Golf Championship individual event and the Songam Cup Amateur Golf Championship.
This victory has strengthened Jang Yu-bin’s favorable position toward his other goal of advancing to the Korean Tour next year. He earned 10,600 points in the Srixon Tour, rising to first place in the points ranking. Even as an amateur, finishing within the top 10 in the season’s overall points ranking grants a seed for the Korean Tour next year.
Jang Yu-bin expressed, "I am familiar with Solago Country Club as I played many matches here during my time as a national representative," adding, "During winter training camp, I focused a lot on putting, which was my weak point, and I saw the effects right from the first tournament." He continued, "After the Asian Games, I plan to turn professional. I want to consistently perform well on the Srixon Tour to secure a Korean Tour seed next year."
Park Hyung-wook missed the championship but received 16 million KRW in prize money. As an amateur, Jang Yu-bin cannot accept prize money. National representative Jo Woo-young, who will also participate in the Hangzhou Asian Games, tied for third place (8-under-par 134). Kevin Jeon and Kim Geun-tae also tied for third. The 2nd tournament of the KPGA Srixon Tour will be held over two days starting from the 30th at the same venue.
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