“I am happy that Tiger is back.”메이저놀이터
Kim Joo-hyung (21, Nike), the ‘expectant leader’ of Korean men’s golf, shares his feelings about the return of his idol, ‘Golf Emperor’ Tiger Woods (USA) after 7 months of absence from the tour.
Kim Joo-hyung and Woods will participate in the PGA Tour Genesis Invitational (total prize money of 20 million dollars) held at the Riviera CC (par 71) near Los Angeles, California on the 17th (Korean time).
At a press conference the day before the opening of the tournament, when asked, “How do you feel about playing in the same tournament as Tiger?” Kim Joo-hyung said, “It’s a really special time for me. I haven’t had many opportunities to play with him since I joined the tour. That’s why it’s special and good to participate together like this,” he said.
He continued, “When Tiger participates, the atmosphere seems to change. I’m a player too, but I love watching Tiger play. We are happy that Tiger is back.”
For Kim Joo-hyung, this is his first appearance at the Genesis Invitational. During the 2020 competition, he once intuited the competition through a gallery. He said, “I watched the game from outside the ropes before, and I am really amazed and happy that I can play here.” “When I came in 2020, when I was near the putting green, Tiger Woods was busy passing by. He met Chris Pratt (actor) and a lot of other famous people, but he was most amazed when he saw Tiger,” he recalled.
To prepare for this tournament, Kim Joo-hyung visited the course last week and played an 18-hole practice round. And he completed a course inspection by rounding 9 holes yesterday. “This course is fantastic,” he said. “I love spending time here. I think it’s one of the best courses I’ve played so far.”
Joo-hyung Kim broke the record of the youngest two-winner on the PGA Tour, which was held by Tiger, by winning two victories in the series last fall. Regarding the meaning, Kim Joo-hyung said, “It is very special. So, it is absurd to compare him with Tiger, but it still means a lot to be able to share his name with him.”
He continued, “It means I am doing something well. I’m just starting my career, and to be able to have a record like that is very special. I am also grateful,” he said. “I hope that more records and good tags will follow my name in the future. And someday, when I retire, I think those records will be gathered and remembered as a great player.”
He also revealed his thoughts as a member of Korean men’s golf, which is achieving great growth. “I grew up in Asia. The process of coming to the United States was not easy,” he said. “Rather than (I) try to be a role model, I want to show that if I put in a lot of effort, it is really possible and it is possible to achieve my dream. If you work hard enough, your dream will come true.”
Lastly, he also revealed his thoughts on the Genesis Invitational and his goals for the season. Kim Joo-hyung said, “It’s good if I can win one championship every year. But I’m learning right now,” he said. “I wish I could compete for the championship in such a big competition. I want to continue to learn, experience, and grow into a great player. I want to achieve the goals I set one by one. And I want to improve little by little every year.”