The Asian Tour’s Kolon Korea Open gets underway on Thursday at the Woo Jeong Hills Country Club, with the top two finishers earning a place in this year’s British Open. For many Korean golfers competing on home soil, it presents a golden opportunity to secure an Asian Tour victory and even a spot in a major championship.
Since winning the 2022 Kolon Korea Open, Korean golfer Minkyu Kim endured a couple of disappointing seasons following a car accident until he claimed a precious Korean Tour title three weeks ago. Returning to the scene of his triumph, the 23-year-old rookie has rediscovered his lost confidence.
“I’m hungry for victories, and I’m proud of myself,” Kim said ahead of the tournament. “But I still have a long way to go, so I’ll treat my previous win as a joyful moment that I’ll cherish and keep moving forward. Every week is different for me right now, so I’m trying to find good feelings each week.” Two years ago, Kim won his first national open title in a three-hole playoff against fellow Korean Mingyu Cho.
Since 2003, the one-hour drive from Seoul to the Woo Jeong Hills Country Club has been the traditional venue for the Kolon Korea Open, with John Daly winning the title that year. This week, competitors will face the challenges of thick rough, undulating greens, and hot weather at the club.
The Kolon Korea Open attracts a strong field from the Asian Tour and a formidable Korean contingent. Defending champion Steve Seungsu Han of the United States returns to try to retain his title, while last month’s GS Caltex Maekyung Open winner, Hongtaek Kim, aims for his second Asian Tour victory of the year.
“I still can’t believe I won, but I’m very happy and full of confidence,” Kim added. “This tournament is one of the events I really want to win, just like all Korean golfers. I’ve played well in big tournaments in Korea this year, and I haven’t had a bad shot yet.”
As part of The Open Qualifying Series, the Kolon Korea Open offers two spots in the British Open, to be held July 18-21 at Royal Troon Golf Club, to the highest-placed players (excluding those already exempt for The Open).
(Asian Tour)