Kang Sung-hoon and Bae Sang-moon started the PGA Tour Puerto Rico Open (total prize money of $3.7 million) in a good mood.
In the first round held at the Grand Reserve Golf Club (par 72) in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico on the morning of the 4th (Korean time) on the morning of the 4th (Korea time), Kang Seong-hoon tied 1 eagle, 4 birdies, 1 bogey, and 1 double bogey to make a 3 under par 69 tie 14. climbed on top It is 4 strokes behind the co-leaders, Korean-American Michael Kim and Chase Shepert (US 7-under 65).
Kang Sung-hoon took on the challenge of winning the PGA Tour for the first time this season in this alternate tournament with top players participating in the Arnold Palmer Invitational held during the same period.
Bae Sang-moon also completed a 3-under par with 4 birdies and 1 bogey. Bae Sang-moon finished tied for 65th at the Bermuda Championship in October last year, his first appearance of the season, and was eliminated from the cut in two competitions after that. However, he worked hard and seized the opportunity at the top. Seungyeol Noh also started off well with a tie for 38th at 1-under par 71. With all three players urgently needing to secure a stable PGA Tour spot, this tournament is a clear opportunity in that it gives the winner a two-year qualification.
Michael Kim set out on his second PGA Tour championship challenge by picking only seven birdies without bogey. Michael Kim made his PGA Tour debut in 2016 and took his first win at the John Deere Classic in the 2017-2018 season.
Reporter Oh Hae-won