[마스터스 현장] The 'first Korean' in which Chan-Sung Jung failed, will Seong-Jae Lim succeed?

Seongjae Lim challenges to win the Masters Tournament. [사진=마스터스]

In the southeastern region of the United States this week, Korean players (MMA, golf) are sweating and sweating to win the ‘first Korean’ title.

The fighting was held at UFC 273 on April 9 (local time) in Jacksonville, Florida, USA. Chan-seong Jeong (35), fourth in featherweight, was aiming for the first Korean champion. Opponent: Alexander Volkanovsky (Australia).

After a bloody battle that lasted until dawn, Chansung Jung’s face was shattered. On the other hand, Volkanovsky’s face was so clean that no scratches could be seen. Chansung Jung sat down on the floor of the cage as the rounds went on. He looked up at the sky, then looked down at the floor and sighed.

It was an expression of ‘difficult to deal with’. just as expected. At 45 seconds of round 4, the referee stopped the match. It means you can’t do it anymore. Chansung Jung said in an interview, “I felt a wall. I don’t know if I will continue.”

It became infinitely small in front of a huge wall. The ‘Korean Zombie’ who was leaving could not raise his head. The Koreans who filled the Vista Veterans Memorial Arena sent applause and shouts of encouragement to Chan-seong Jeong, but he could not see it with his own eyes.

The ‘first Korean’ title, which Chansung Jung failed, was accepted by Im Seongjae the next day (April 10). It is not an easy situation because there is a difference in score with the leader (Scott Schaeffler).

At 2:30 pm, Sungjae Lim appeared on the first hole (par 4) teeing ground at Augusta National Golf Club (par 72, 7510 yards) in Augusta, Georgia, USA.

He also sent the ball to the middle of the fairway to the full Patron (Masters Gallery) along the hole. The second shot was good too. The problem is putting. The ball began to turn away from the hole. On the 4th hole (par 3), he missed a putt from 2 feet (0.6 m). shook his head. It’s a unique reaction when the game doesn’t go well.

What I made up for was a birdie on the 7th hole (par 4). The nightmare on the ninth hole (par 4) continued. A putt from 7 feet (about 2 meters) did not enter the hole. Despite the hall-out applause, his hardened expression did not go away.

Sungjae Lim taking a tee shot at Augusta National Golf Club. [사진=마스터스]

As of 5 pm, Seongjae Lim has turned the turning point with the par 10 on the 10th hole (par 4). The remaining holes are 8 (holes 11 to 18), and the Amen Corner (holes 11 to 13) is entered.

He is eight strokes behind Scott Schaeffler (US 11-under 207). It is a score that is difficult to overturn in the Masters Tournament (total prize of 15 million dollars, about 18.4 billion won), but it is not without possibility.

If Seongjae Lim wins, it will be his third career win on the PGA Tour and his first major win. The title of ‘Korean first Masters winner’ is also attached.