On Thursday, Chan Kim took the outright lead at the top of the ISCO Championship. His show-stopping performance at Hurstbourne Country Club was no exception. The 35-year-old South Korean wowed the home crowd with a record-tying 9-under 61 and opened up a four-stroke lead going into the weekend. Known for many years as the ‘Opposite Field’ PGA Tour tournament, this event has recently become jointly sanctioned by the European Tour.
Kim made a big impression in his first round. It was an incredible eagle on the par-4 fourth hole, holing out from 123 yards. Aside from this highlight, he posted seven birdies during the round, emphasizing his impressive play.
On the positive side, Kim was pleased with how he played, saying, “I’m really happy to play like this today.” He further reflected on the pivotal moment that set the tone for his round, saying, “The hole-out on 4 definitely kick-started the morning.”
This week’s ISCO Championship offers an opportunity for the 23-year-old Kim to earn his first PGA Tour victory. He’s already proven as an eight-time winner on the Japan Golf Tour. Now, he’s obviously hungry to win a PGA because that would really add to a prolific resume.
After his record-setting, 12-under-opening round, Kim has a comfortable four-stroke lead over Callum Shinkwin, Thomas Rosenmueller and Peter Malnati. Shinkwin paid tribute to Kim’s execution, adding, “I played all the right notes which is the first thing, obviously.”
The Makeover has huge potential models waiting for the winner. In return, they will know they have exemptions on the PGA Tour for the next two years and a coveted invitation to the PGA Championship next year.
Born and raised in Hawaii, Kim was a collegiate golf star at the Arizona State University. Her path hasn’t been without its hurdles but with extraordinary successes as well. He admitted that recent struggles on the tour had added pressure to his game, stating, “I’ve missed the last six out of seven cuts, so that’s a good feeling to kind of not have to really worry about it.”
In the coming days of this exciting tournament, all eyes will be on Chan Kim. As for Peters, he will be looking to keep the pressure on and claim his first victory on the PGA Tour.
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