Record-Setting Im Enhances ‘Birdie Machine’ Reputation

Maui, Hawaii, United States: Im Sung-jae’s reputation as a ‘birdie machine’ was reinforced during the PGA Tour’s season-opening US$20 million The Sentry.

At The Plantation Course at Kapalua, the powerful Korean established a new PGA Tour record by registering no fewer than 34 birdies over the course of the four days – the most birdies in a 72-hole PGA Tour event.

The previous record was 32 birdies, achieved three times and most recently by Jon Rahm at The Sentry last year. Paul Gow (2001 BC Open) and Mark Calcavecchia (2001 WM Phoenix Open) also shared the record until Sunday.

Im shot a final round of 63, featuring 11 birdies, to finish tied fifth, his third top-10 in four outings at The Sentry.

On a final day where Chris Kirk claimed a thrilling one-stroke victory over Sahith Theegala, Im’s compatriot An Byeong-hun posted a solo fourth finish on his debut at The Plantation Course.

While delighted with his record feat, Im was still somewhat disappointed with his third round 73 which effectively knocked him out of contention in his search for a third PGA Tour title.

“I made a lot of birdies, but I kept thinking about the mistakes I made yesterday. So, I played hard today and was able to finish with 11 birdies,” said Im, who was tied fifth here in 2021 and tied eighth in 2022.

This is the second PGA Tour birdie record which Im now holds. In 2021, he snared 498 birdies to set a new record for most birdies during a season, breaking the previous mark of 493 by Steve Flesch in 2000.

The double medallist from last year’s Hangzhou Asian Games and two-time International Team member at the Presidents Cup is now setting his sights on adding another title to his collection.

“I was fortunate I was able to perform well in my first tournament and I think that's because I spent a lot of time in Korea over the winter working on my body. It showed and gave me a good start,” said the 25-year-old.

He will also leave Maui with some valuable lessons on patience following a disappointing third day. “It was pretty windy yesterday and I made six birdies. But I also made six bogeys that weren’t necessary. On a windy day, I should have played more calmly but I went aggressive and my distance control wasn’t right. I made a few mistakes,” said Im.

Making his debut at The Sentry after finishing in the top-50 of last season’s FedEx Cup standings, An started the final round two behind Kirk but couldn’t keep pace following an outward 34. He came alive over a four-hole stretch late in the day with three birdies and an eagle on the 15th. But a bogey on 17 ended any hopes of securing a first PGA Tour victory in the elite 59-man field.

“It was a good start to the year,” said An, whose young family was on site cheering him every day. “I made lots of putts today. My ball striking wasn’t as sharp as I wanted but I made some good birdies coming in to finish fourth. Wish it would have been better, but I did my best.”

He ended the week ranked 18th in Strokes Gained: Putting and believes he made the right decision last summer to use the broomhandle putter. “The putting works. I feel like I putted pretty decently. I think my game’s in good shape and hopefully I can trust it a little more next week,” said An, who will compete in the Sony Open in Hawaii, starting on Thursday

Kirk, who battled alcoholism and depression some years ago, earned his sixth PGA Tour title with a closing 65 edging him ahead of Theegala, who came home in 63 for solo second. Jordan Spieth finished third after a 65.

Kirk’s winning total was 29-under 263, for which he earned US$3.6 million and 700 FedEx Cup points.

“It’s unreal. It’s so unexpected. I had a really great off-season and I got a lot of good work done and felt good about the year. But you never expect to shoot 29-under. It’s unbelievable,” said Kirk, who spent two months of his off-season playing golf left-handed and working on his fitness.