In-Form Im Claims Second PGA Tour Title

Las Vegas, United States: Im Sung-jae fired a scintillating closing nine-under-par 62 to charge to a four-shot victory at the Shriners Children’s Open for his second PGA Tour title. Now he’s eyeing a desert double by winning this week's THE CJ CUP @ SUMMIT.

Starting the final day three strokes off the lead, the 23-year-old Korean, nicknamed Ironman Im, produced an immaculate display at TPC Summerlin, highlighted by nine birdies. His 24-under 260 total tied the low winning score of Ryan Moore (2012) and Webb Simpson (2013) since TPC Summerlin became a par-71 layout in 2009.

Im birdied four of his opening seven holes and then turned on a masterclass with five consecutive birdies from the ninth to 13th to seize control of the tournament. Matthew Wolff finished second after a closing 68 while Marc Leishman (63), Rory Sabbatini (64) and overnight leader Adam Schenk (70) shared third place on 19-under.

The win came on Im’s 100th start on Tour. His maiden success at The Honda Classic last March was on his 50th start. He’s the second youngest winner of the tournament after 1996 champion Tiger Woods, who won at age 20 years, nine months, six days.

“It’s a very meaningful win. My first win was on my 50th start, and to win my second PGA Tour title on my 100th start is a pretty amazing stat. It was very tough to win the first one and I thought the second would be harder. I just kept my patience and tried to keep my focus throughout the period,” said Im, who climbed to second place in the latest FedEx Cup standings.

Im was disappointed with himself on Saturday after falling out of the lead with a third round 70 in swirling winds. But with conditions being ideal during the final round, there was no stopping the aggressive style that saw him hit a Tour record of 498 birdies last season. At TPC Summerlin, he made 26 birdies to rank second in the category. He ranked first in Strokes Gained: Tee to Green where he gained 10.48 strokes over the field.

“The big difference between yesterday and today was there was no wind, which made it easier. Tee to green, driver, irons and putting game worked as I wanted to,” said Im. “To be honest, I didn't know I birdied five holes in a row. I was just focused on each and every hole to get through without a mistake.”

With the Tour remaining in Vegas for a second week for THE CJ CUP @ SUMMIT – a Korean tournament which is being played in the US for the second successive year due to the pandemic – Im is hopeful of contending for another victory, especially given CJ is one of his main sponsors.

“I’m sponsored by CJ, so it’s an important tournament to me. I want to play well, I want to get ready,” he said.

Wolff, who was chasing his second TOUR victory, said: “I was really happy with how the week turned out. Sung-jae played unbelievable the last day. If I keep putting myself in these positions I know that eventually it’s going to be in my favour and I’m going to win. I like the way my game’s trending. I’m in a really good spot and happy with where my game is at and my head’s at.”

KH Lee finished tied 15th after a final round 66 while fellow-Korean Sung Kang, the first round leader, and Chinese Taipei’s Kevin Yu were among those who shared 27th position on 15-under.