S. Korean golfers say composure crucial in tough weather conditions at PGA stop on home soil

All News 16:36 October 17, 2018

By Yoo Jee-ho

SEOGWIPO, South Korea, Oct. 17 (Yonhap) -- In the build-up to the CJ Cup @ Nine Bridges, the lone PGA Tour event in South Korea, starting Thursday, wind has dominated the conversations.

From defending champion Justin Thomas to former world No. 1 Jason day, golfers spoke at length about how big a role wind can play on the par-72, 7,184-yard Club at Nine Bridges.

As far as PGA Tour players from South Korea are concerned, the key will be what is between their ears, not just in their golf bags.

In this photo provided by JNA Golf, South Korean players on the PGA Tour speak at a press conference before the PGA Tour's CJ Cup @ Nine Bridges at the Club at Nine Bridges in Seogwipo on Jeju Island, South Korea, on Oct. 17, 2018. From left: Kim Meen-whee, Kim Si-woo, Kang Sung-hoon and Lee Kyoung-hoon. (Yonhap)

At the inaugural CJ Cup in 2017, Kim Meen-whee was the top South Korean performer, as he finished alone in fourth. He said the players should just try to go with the flow and maintain their composure.

"No one can beat Mother Nature, and you just have to make adjustments as necessary," said Kim, who had two runner-up finishes last season and is still looking for his first PGA Tour victory. "As important as it is to hit solid shots, you have to maintain your focus in these conditions. When it starts blowing, the temperature will dip and it will affect both your focus and your energy level."

Kim Si-woo, a two-time PGA Tour winner who tied for 44th a year ago, said the constantly changing direction of the wind can throw players off their game.

"The wind can come in from different directions even on the same hole," he said. "And when you make mistakes in these conditions, you can get quite frustrated. You have to keep your emotions in check."

Kang Sung-hoon, a Jeju native back home for the first time since last year's CJ Cup, talked about the importance of club selection.

"As the wind keeps changing directions, it can be difficult to pick out a club," he said. "And it's important to commit to a decision and have faith in the shot you're about to hit. And you have to accept bad shots and move on."

Lee Kyoung-hoon, in his first PGA Tour season after graduating from the Web.com Tour, said par-3 holes can be particularly tricky and added, "I'll pay extra attention to those holes and try to pick the right club."