Kim Baekjun Wins by Two Strokes at DB Insurance Promy Open Final Round
Claims First KPGA Tour Victory in 25th Career Start
Lee Sanghee and Ok Taehun Share Second Place, Choi Seungbin Finishes Fourth
Second-year player Kim Baekjun claimed victory at the opening event of the 2025 season on the Korea Professional Golf Association (KPGA) Tour.
On April 20, at the La Vie Est Belle Golf & Resort Old Course (par 71, 7,181 yards) in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, Kim shot an even-par 71 with two birdies and two bogeys in the final fourth round of the DB Insurance Promy Open (total prize money of 1 billion won), winning by two strokes with a total of 11-under-par 273. This marked his first career win in his 25th KPGA Tour appearance. The winner’s prize was 200 million won.
Kim Baekjun had already been recognized as a promising talent, winning a gold medal in the individual event at the National Sports Festival in 2019 as a national team member, and finishing runner-up at the prestigious SK Telecom Open on the KPGA Tour in 2021 as an amateur invitee. However, Kim had always been overshadowed by his peer Jo Wooyoung and one-year-younger Jang Yoobin. While Jang Yoobin and Jo Wooyoung made their KPGA Tour debuts in spectacular fashion?Jang winning gold at the Hangzhou Asian Games and capturing a KPGA Tour title as an amateur?Kim joined the KPGA Tour last year after playing on the second-tier tour.
In particular, Kim led the Rookie of the Year race throughout last season, but lost the title to Song Minhyeok at the final tournament, the Tour Championship, missing out on the once-in-a-lifetime honor. Determined to bounce back, Kim gained 3kg and increased his swing speed during winter training to secure greater driving distance.
In a post-victory interview, Kim Baekjun said, "I prepared well, but I didn't expect to win the season opener. I'm proud of myself." He added, "I've made a good start, but this is just the beginning. I won't become complacent and will continue to work hard," and stated, "My goal is to win the Player of the Year award and qualify for the PGA Tour Q-School in the United States."
Lee Sanghee and Ok Taehun tied for second place at 9-under-par 275. Choi Seungbin shot two under par to finish fourth at 8-under-par 276. Jo Wooyoung, considered one of the strongest contenders on this year’s KPGA Tour, finished tied for sixth at 6-under-par 278 along with Park Eunsin, Kim Minsu, Park Junhong, and Jung Seonil (Canada).
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