Sungjae Im knocking on door once again
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SHANGHAI, CHINA - OCTOBER 30: Sungjae Im of South Korea tees off on the first tee prior to the World Golf Championships-HSBC Champions at Sheshan International Golf Club on October 30, 2019 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Ben Jared/PGA TOUR via Getty Images)
Reigning PGA TOUR Rookie of the Year in mix at WGC-HSBC Champions
At the end of the day, PGA TOUR Rookie of the Year Sungjae Im says he might just need a touch of luck to take the final step to victory.
The South Korean young star, still just 21, has once again shown why many believe he will become a regular winner on the PGA TOUR with a solid 6-under 66 to open the World Golf Championships–HSBC Champions.
It left Im just two shots off the lead behind local favorite Haotong Li and in a tie for third place.
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A win was the only thing missing from Im’s impressive rookie season in 2018-19. He notched seven top-10s from an incredible 35 starts and was the only rookie to make it to the TOUR Championship, where he would finish 19th in the FedExCup.
In five starts during his sophomore season, he’s already been runner-up after losing a playoff at the Sanderson Farms Championship and finished last week’s ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP tied for third.
But rather than show frustration due to other young stars such Matthew Wolff and Collin Morikawa having already won, Im chooses to focus on his constant ability to contend.
He’s missed just one cut – at the Open Championship – in 16 starts since June.
“The feeling is consistency, it's pretty good to be top-10,” Im countered when asked what was missing in his chase for a trophy.
“If my putting is helping me out, and also my luck comes to me, maybe I can win.”
Im won twice on the Korn Ferry Tour so he is no stranger to closing out tournaments.
This week also represents the last week for Presidents Cup hopefuls to state their case for captain's picks.
Im is already considered a favorite to get a call from International Team captain Ernie Els but is looking to leave no doubt whatsoever in his readiness.