15 Wins on G Tour, 3 Victories on KPGA Tour
Strong Fan Base, Prefers Support from Busan Gallery
Scheduled to Compete in Genesis Scottish Open in July
He wants to have a long career. That is the wish of "the King of Screen Golf," Kim Hongtaek. In an interview with Asia Economy on June 12, when asked, "What is the one thing you want to achieve during your career as a golfer?" he replied, "If I had a son, my dream would have been to play in the same tournament together. Of course, my daughter's wishes are important. If she becomes a golfer, I will fully support her. Although we can't play in the same tournament, I hope we can both win on the same day, at the same time," he said with a smile.
Kim Hongtaek is excelling both on the screen and on the field. Even before making his debut on the Korea Professional Golfers' Association (KPGA) Tour in 2017, he had been honing his skills through screen golf. Since participating in screen golf tournaments starting in 2013, he has reigned as the top player. On May 31, Kim won the fourth Shinhan Investment G Tour screen golf tournament, marking his 15th career victory on the G Tour. Regarding his nickname as "the King of Screen Golf," he said, "It's too generous a compliment," but added, "Still, I do like it."
He has also made a strong impression on the KPGA Tour. He claimed his first victory at the Kaido Series Donga Membership Group Dynamic Busan Open in August 2017, and last May, he won the 43rd GS Caltex Maekyung Open. This year, on June 8, he secured his third career victory at the Baeksong Holdings-Asiad CC Busan Open, his first win in one year and one month. When asked about his success on both the KPGA Tour and the G Tour, he said, "I was lucky," and added, "After regaining my confidence with the G Tour win, I went on to win the Busan Open," he said with a big smile.
Kim Hongtaek is cheering immediately after winning the Baeksong Holdings-Asiad CC Busan Open. Photo by KPGA
Kim Hongtaek has a strong fan base. He always has a smiling face. He has fans of all ages and genders. When fans see Kim at the golf course, they often cheer him on by shouting, "Screen golf champion!" Kim performs especially well in Busan. Two of his three wins have come in Busan. He collected his first trophy at Haeundae Country Club in Busan, and this year, he won at Asiad Country Club in Busan.
He said, "I like having a lot of spectators. Whenever I get nervous, I look at the gallery. Hearing the cheers helps me relax. Being able to play in front of so many fans makes me proud as a player. I like Busan."
Hongtaek Kim is smiling brightly while holding the trophy right after winning the Baeksong Holdings-Asiad CC Busan Open. Photo by KPGA
This year did not start well for him. He missed the cut in all of his first five tournaments. He withdrew from the 20th DB Insurance Promy Open, the season opener in April, and performed poorly at the Woori Financial Championship (tied for 111th), the 44th GS Caltex Maekyung Open (tied for 132nd), the SK Telecom Open (tied for 61st), and the Kolon 67th Korea Open (tied for 94th). A back injury held him back. During a practice round at the season opener, he suffered a minor tear in the muscles around his back.
He said, "After signing with a new sponsor, I really wanted to do well, but since the start wasn't good, I was very stressed and had a hard time mentally. I was surprised to win the first tournament where I made the cut," he admitted honestly. He added, "My physical condition has improved a lot. When my back hurt, it affected my swing. I am working hard on rehabilitation and strengthening exercises."
Kim Hongtaek is devoted to his daughter. In August 2023, he welcomed his first daughter, Seolyeon. Until last year, he even wrote his daughter's initials, "SY," on the golf balls he used in tournaments. He said, "After changing sponsors, I now draw a smiley face instead of my daughter's name." There was more good news this year. His wife is expecting their second child. He said, "I told my wife that if I won, we should have a second child, and recently we found out she is pregnant. My wife said, 'Now that I'm pregnant with our second, you have to take responsibility and win quickly.' I think that's why I was able to win, and it makes me even happier," he said.
Kim Hongtaek's goal for this year was to win a domestic tournament. He achieved it sooner than expected. Now, he is dreaming even bigger. By winning the GS Caltex Maekyung Open, he secured a spot on the Asian Tour. He said, "I want to deliver news of a win on the Asian Tour and on overseas tours as well." Next month, he will compete in the Genesis Scottish Open at Renaissance Club in North Berwick, Scotland, starting on July 10. This tournament is co-hosted by the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour. "By playing in big tournaments, I can learn and grow a lot," he said. "I want to be remembered as a player who truly loves golf. I want to have a long career without stress."
Kim Hongtaek is giving an interview after winning the Baeksong Holdings-Asiad CC Busan Open. Photo by KPGA
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
