Booked for PGA re-entry, Kim Sung-hyun's conferry life that saved Korea's pride, was difficult, but it became a lot stronger
Sep 15, 2025
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It was Kim Sung-hyun who saved the pride of the Korean player.
Again this year, the winner of the Shinhan Donghae Open was not a Korean player. Kazuki Higa of Japan won the title at the final round of the 41st Shinhan Donghae Open, which ended at Jack Nicklaus GC Korea in Songdo, Incheon on the 14th, with a final 18 under par in the fourth round. The honor of winning for the second time after winning this tournament in 2022.
This is the only competition co-hosted by three tours, including the KPGA Tour, the Asian Tour and the Japanese Tour, and many talented people participated in the competition. There was also the meaning of a national competition. Since it was co-organized by the Japanese tour, there was also a feeling that a large number of Japanese strong players participated in the tournament. Unfortunately, however, the Korean players failed to use their strength. Following Higa in 2022, Kensay Hirata won again last year, although he kept his pride by winning Go Won-taek in 2023. Last year, Kim Min-kyu was the only Korean player to be listed in the top five.
This time, there were no Korean players in the top five. Until the second round, Ok Tae-hoon, Lee Sang-hee, and Song Young-han were listed at the top, instilling expectations, but they failed to use their strength from the third round.
Kim Sung-hyun, who is on the verge of re-entering the PGA Tour, has defended Korea's pride. Kim Sung-hyun was not very noticeable at 7 under par until the third round, but he hit 8 under par on the last day and ranked 6th at 14 under par. The highest ranking among Korean players.
The following is a question and answer after the competition with Kim Sung-hyun.
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▶My condition has deteriorated a lot since I came to Korea about a month ago. I kept trying to get the hang of it while practicing a lot, but it didn't have much effect until yesterday (the third round). However, I felt comfortable getting hit by the ball today (fourth round), and I gained a lot of confidence by reducing my score a lot as I controlled my shot well. I think I finished the final day of the competition well.
-What's your plan?
He plans to remain in Korea and participate in the KPGA Tour 'Golf Zone Open' and 'Hyundai Marine Choi Kyung-ju Invitational'. After that, he will move on to the U.S. and play in the 3rd and 4th round of the Conferry Tour Playoffs. I will try to play the best golf in the rest of the tournament. Rather than aiming to win, I will play my best while keeping my management.
-After playing on the PGA Tour, he has been on the Conferry Tour for the past year and is about to return to the PGA Tour. What did you feel?
▶It was a difficult time mentally, but I felt that my inner mind became very solid after going through this situation. It was a time to develop the strength to overcome difficult situations. In addition, my own golf has improved a lot by competing every week with players with good skills and strengths. In addition, the conferi tour has different conditions and different course characteristics from region to region. You have to adapt quickly every week to suit various competition environments. I have learned a lot in this regard and I think I have improved my adaptability greatly.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
