'Iron Stamina' Im Sungjae, Finally Affected by Korea-US Grueling Schedule

Cold and flu lead to withdrawal just before The CJ Cup 1R
Alternate player No Seung-yeol joins instead

‘Iron stamina’ Im Sung-jae was held back by a grueling schedule.

Im Sung-jae

On the 2nd (local time), ahead of the first round of the PGA Tour The CJ Cup Byron Nelson (total prize money $9.5 million) held at TPC Craig Ranch (Par 71, 7,414 yards) in McKinney, Texas, USA, he withdrew due to cold and flu symptoms. This was less than 30 minutes before the start time of the first round.

He said, "The CJ Cup is a special tournament for me, so I came to Dallas with high expectations, but unfortunately, my health deteriorated, and I regret that I cannot participate." He added, "I won last week in Korea, and my overall shot feeling was good, so I had high hopes for this week, but I am heartbroken that I cannot compete due to cold and flu." He continued, "I apologize to the officials and fans who prepared the tournament. I will recover quickly and come back, so I would appreciate your support."

Im Sung-jae achieved back-to-back wins last week at the KPGA Tour Woori Financial Championship, hosted by a sub-sponsor, and returned to the U.S. stage to prepare for the tournament hosted by his main sponsor, but withdrew due to health deterioration. Even though he showed enthusiasm during the first official practice at the sponsor-hosted event, his condition worsened to the point that his voice was barely audible that morning. No Seung-yeol, a standby player, joined in place of Im Sung-jae who withdrew.