'KPGA Seonsucheon Winner' Choi Seungbin "This Time It's Japan"

Jointly Hosted by Korea and Japan Hana Bank Invitational Launch
Jang Chan-min, Lee Jae-kyung, Ham Jung-woo, Hwang Jung-gon Star Lineup
Horikawa, Semikawa, Iwata, Imahira Appear

‘KPGA Championship winner’ Choi Seung-bin is aiming for his second consecutive victory.

The Hana Bank Invitational (total prize money 1 billion KRW), held over four days from the 15th at Chiba Izumi Golf Club (par 73, 7,625 yards) in Chiba Prefecture, Japan, is the battleground. The Hana Bank Invitational is an expanded successor to the first regular tour Korea-China Invitational held in 2008, which featured players from Korea and China. This year, it is jointly organized by the Korea Professional Golfers' Association (KPGA) and the Japan Golf Tour Organization (JGTO). Sixty-five players from Japan, along with competitors from China, the Philippines, Australia, and other countries, will participate.

Choi Seung-bin will challenge for his second consecutive win at the Korean Tour Hana Bank Invitational held in Japan.

Choi Seung-bin is aiming for back-to-back wins. Last week, he achieved his first career victory in his 23rd tournament at the Korean Tour KPGA Championship. He received a winner’s prize of 300 million KRW, a Korean Tour exemption until 2028, and a lifetime entry right to the KPGA Championship. Leveraging his average driving distance of 322.02 yards, Choi is determined to claim the top spot in Japan as well. He said, "Winning has allowed me to enjoy golf without pressure," and added, "I will aim for victory in this tournament as well."

Korea’s lineup includes the top money winner ‘Korea’s Jon Rahm’ Jeong Chan-min, Genesis Point leader Lee Jae-kyung, Ko Gun-taek, Baek Seok-hyun, Kim Dong-min, and other champions of the year. Also listed are Hwang Jung-gon, Song Young-han, and Choi Ho-sung, who have been active on the JGTO. Ham Jung-woo, Park Eun-shin, Han Seung-soo, Park Bae-jong, and Lee Seung-min are determined to lift the winner’s trophy at this sponsor’s event. Defending champion Lee Joon-seok (Australia) is challenging for a second consecutive title.

JGTO players are also impressive. Veteran Horikawa Mikumu, who has accumulated four JGTO wins, and this year’s top points leader Semikawa Taiga are defending their home turf. Last year’s money leader Higa Kazuki, long hitter Kawamoto Riki, Iwata Hiroshi, and Imahira Shugo, all ranked high in the money list, are making strong appearances. Justin Santos (Philippines) and Brad Kennedy (Australia) are also contenders for the title.