5 Under Par in Round 2 of the DB Insurance Promy Open
Fell to Second in Rookie Points After Last Year's Final Round Slump
"I Will Aim for Three Wins This Year"
Kim Baekjun, now in his second year on the Korea Professional Golfers’ Association (KPGA) Tour, cannot forget last year. He was leading the Rookie of the Year race heading into the final tournament of the season, the Tour Championship, but was overtaken at the end. He finished tied for 40th at the Tour Championship, while Song Minhyeok, who finished as runner-up in that event, surpassed him.
Kim Baekjun is seeking redemption. On April 18, at the La Vie Est Belle Golf & Resort Old Course (par 71, 7,181 yards) in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, during the second round of the KPGA Tour 2025 season opener, the DB Insurance Promy Open (total prize money: 1 billion won), he shot a 5-under 66. With a two-round total of 7-under 135, he entered the race for the title.
Kim Baekjun said, "To prepare for this season, I worked on sharpening my iron shots, which are my strength, and practiced putting and the short game a lot. I think I saw the results in the first and second rounds," expressing satisfaction with his performance. He added, "In the latter half of the round, the wind picked up, so I played a bit more conservatively. The greens were faster than yesterday, but my feel for putting distance was good, so I didn't have much trouble," reflecting on his round.
At the par-5 15th hole, with 241 yards remaining, he attacked the green with a 4-iron and converted a 5-meter eagle opportunity. "I increased my swing speed from last year's average of 113 miles per hour (about 182 km/h) to 117 miles per hour (188 km/h)," Kim Baekjun said, adding, "This season, I aim to reach 120 miles per hour." Regarding narrowly missing out on Rookie of the Year last year, he commented, "Song Minhyeok played well and deserved the Rookie of the Year title. This year, I will make up for it by winning the Genesis Grand Prize."
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