In the upcoming BMW Championship, Japanese golf sensation Hideki Matsuyama and Korea’s Byeong Hun An are locked in battles for survival as part of the FedEx Cup Playoffs. This tournament serves as a crucial stepping stone towards securing coveted spots in the prestigious TOUR Championship, where a staggering $18 million prize awaits the ultimate FedEx Cup champion.
Matsuyama, a seasoned 31-year-old player, boasts an impressive record of qualifying for the Playoffs Finale at East Lake, Atlanta, for a remarkable nine consecutive seasons—a feat that stands as a record among active PGA TOUR members. On the other hand, An, experiencing a resurgence in his game, is determined to secure his first-ever appearance in the top-30 showcase of the TOUR Championship, adding a glorious touch to his stellar season.
Korea’s Si Woo Kim, positioned 17th in the FedEx Cup standings as he enters the BMW Championship (formerly known as the Weston Open), appears comfortably poised to make a much-anticipated return to the TOUR Championship after his rookie year in 2016. Another Korean talent, Tom Kim, ranked 18th, is also expected to tee up at the Playoffs Finale, as reported by the PGA TOUR.
Sungjae Im, known for his runner-up finish in the TOUR Championship last season—an unprecedented achievement for Asia in FedExCup history—faces a challenge to secure his fifth consecutive spot in the TOUR Championship. Starting the week in Olympia Fields, Illinois at the 28th spot, Im aims to work his way up the standings.
An, currently ranked 38th in the FedEx Cup standings, needs to secure at least a two-way tie for 10th place to maintain hopes of advancing to the Playoffs Finale. A return to Olympia Fields should boost his confidence, considering his T12 finish in the previous BMW Championship held at the venue. His switch to a broomstick putter, advised by Adam Scott and Si Woo Kim, has also enhanced his putting performance.
Matsuyama, holding a 47th ranking, showcased his brilliance by securing his place in the BMW Championship after a captivating performance in the FedEx St. Jude Championship last week. He made a spectacular eagle and birdie in the final three holes to secure his spot in the top-50 field for this week. To extend his streak of playing in every TOUR Championship since 2014, the eight-time PGA TOUR winner needs to finish no lower than a three-way tie for fourth place, while keeping an eye on other players’ outcomes. In the year 2020, Matsuyama achieved a joint third-place finish at Olympia Fields.
After a strong tied-sixth finish in the previous week, the smooth-swinging Sungjae Im aims to capitalize on his momentum, striving for another appearance in the TOUR Championship held in his U.S. base in Atlanta.
Since the inception of the FedEx Cup in 2007, last season saw the highest number of Asian golfers—three players—making it to the TOUR Championship. Im, Matsuyama, and K.H. Lee secured their spots among the top 30. Im remains optimistic that this year, with four Koreans and Matsuyama in the mix, they can carve out a notable slice of golf history in this week’s tournament.
-IANS
