Iron-Man Im Establishes Birdie Record on PGA Tour

Atlanta, Georgia, United States: Im Sung-jae played his way into the record books on the PGA Tour by shooting the most birdies in a season with his haul of 498 following the conclusion of the Tour Championship.

The 23-year-old Korean tied the record of 493 birdies held by American Steve Flesch after the third round of the FedEx Cup Play-offs Finale at East Lake Golf Club and he duly established a new mark by adding five more ‘birds’ en route to a closing two-under 68 to finish the week in tied 20th position.

American Patrick Cantlay claimed the Tour’s ultimate prize, the FedEx Cup, by one stroke from Jon Rahm after a composed final round of 69, taking home a US$15 million prize for his fourth victory of the season.

Asia’s other representative in the elite 30-strong field, Hideki Matsuyama of Japan, settled for tied 26th place after signing off his season with a 70 in what was his eighth straight appearance in the Tour Championship. His year will be remembered for his historic Masters Tournament win in April.

Im rolled home a 22-foot birdie putt on his second hole in the final round to break the record, letting out a fist pump as the ball disappeared into the hole. Following three consecutive bogeys from the seventh to ninth holes, he made further birdies on 10, 12, 14 and 18 to end his third season on the PGA Tour as the highest ranked Asian in the final FedEx Cup ranking for the second straight year. He holed putts of 17 feet and 26 feet on the 10th and 14th holes.

“I didn’t recognise this record until I heard it on the TV broadcast yesterday. So, I thought I would wish to break that record today. Then I made a birdie on the second hole. I hope to keep this record for a long time,” said Im.

In 35 starts this season, Im failed to make a birdie in only five rounds. He enjoyed five top-10s, including a tied second finish at the Masters Tournament last November, and made over US$4 million in prize money. The only regret was that he failed to add a second victory to his name.

“I had many chances early in the season, but I didn’t take them. There are some disappointments. However, I managed to get into the Tour Championship, so this is the good part of my season,” said Im, who won the 2020 The Honda Classic.

He sees himself keeping a busy schedule ahead of the 2021-22 season as he chases more silverware. “It was my childhood dream to play on the PGA Tour. I try to take some breaks, as much as I can, but I have played most events again this season,” said Im, who plans to play the Sanderson Farms Championship as his first tournament at the end of September.

“We have tournaments throughout the year, so even if I take a break for a while, I can play as many events as I want. I am very happy and grateful to be able to play on the PGA Tour.”