Happy to Win

Ahn Byung-hoon Eyes Masters Glory: An In-Depth Look at the PGA Tour Pro’s Journey

Ahn byung-hoon, the South Korean PGA Tour veteran, approaches the Masters with a clear-eyed perspective shaped by self-assessment adn unwavering dedication. As the tournament tees off on April 9th (Korea Time), Ahn’s journey reflects a blend of raw talent, relentless effort, and a grounded outlook rarely seen in the high-stakes world of professional golf.

The Objective Analyst: Ahn’s Self-Evaluation

Ahn Byung-hoon doesn’t sugarcoat his assessment of his own game. His self-awareness is striking, offering insights into his strengths and areas for betterment.

Launching angle and spin are efficient, so they’re going to go away, but there are 30 players who are faster than me. When you see Lori McKilroy’s driver at the practice area, I think ‘how exactly so far’ and ‘I will be hard to play with that player’.

This candid acknowledgment highlights the constant pursuit of excellence that defines professional golf. While Ahn acknowledges his notable driving distance, averaging 317 yards last year and topping the PGA Championship in that category, he remains realistic about the competition.

He also reflects on past seasons, pinpointing specific areas where he felt shortchanged.

In 2018,the shot would have been a great season if I only supported the putt…At that time, there were a lot of times when I couldn’t putt. If you look back, the shot is good and the putting is not easy.

this honesty is refreshing in a sport often characterized by carefully crafted public images. For U.S. golf fans, it’s akin to a quarterback admitting his throwing arm isn’t as strong as patrick Mahomes’ or a point guard acknowledging LeBron james’ dominance on the court.

Facing the Giants: Encounters with Johnson and dechambeau

Ahn’s career has seen him compete against some of the biggest names in golf, including Dustin Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau. He recalls specific instances where their exceptional play proved to be a challenge.

At the Canadian Open, Johnson hit realy well. There were three strokes. The match against D -Tabo went to extend his mistake.

These encounters underscore the fierce competition at the highest levels of professional golf. Every stroke counts, and even minor errors can be costly against top-tier players.

Family Legacy: From Table Tennis Royalty to Golfing Greatness

Ahn Byung-hoon is the son of Ahn Jae-hyung and Zhaozmin (right) who are from the Korean-Chinese table tennis national team. [사진 KPGA]

Ahn’s parents, Ahn Jae-hyung and Zhaozmin, were table tennis stars representing South Korea and China, respectively. Despite his pedigree in another sport, Ahn’s parents fostered his independence.

I saw a lot of other parents pushing the child, but my father never did…You didn’t say something as a player.

This hands-off approach allowed Ahn to develop his own passion for golf and carve his own path.This contrasts sharply with stories of overbearing sports parents in the U.S., highlighting different cultural approaches to athletic development.

The Swing Change Gamble

Ahn made a significant decision to overhaul his swing, demonstrating a willingness to take risks for long-term improvement.

After finishing the 33rd FedEx ranking in 2020, I thought I had to break the frame even if it took time to stop in the 30th place.I went down to the second part.

Such a change is a high-stakes gamble for any professional athlete. It requires patience, dedication, and the acceptance of short-term setbacks for the potential of future gains. Think of a baseball pitcher completely changing his delivery or a basketball player reworking his shooting form – the process is arduous and filled with uncertainty.

Tragedy and Perspective: The Loss of Grayson Murray

He told his son Sunwoo (right) to be remembered as “a father really hard.” [사진 안병훈]

Ahn recounts a poignant experience from last year’s Sony Open Exhibition when he faced Grayson Murray. Murray, who tragically took his own life four months later, had sunk a long birdie putt against Ahn, who missed his own.

I was surprised. I know I’m going through a hard process like alcoholism. ‘I thought it would have been a little easier.’

This event underscores the mental health challenges that professional athletes often face, hidden beneath the veneer of success. Murray’s passing serves as a stark reminder of the importance of mental well-being and the need for greater support systems in professional sports.

The Quest for a Major: Masters or Bust?

When asked about his priorities, Ahn doesn’t hesitate to express his desire for a major championship.

I’m a master. I talked to my wife while eating with my wife. if you ask the god of golf, you want to win one major competition or win a general competition every year for five years. ‘I’m a master.

The Masters, with its rich history and iconic setting at Augusta National, holds a special allure for golfers worldwide.Winning a major championship would cement Ahn’s legacy and fulfill a lifelong dream.

Earning,Not Expecting: Ahn’s Philosophy

Ahn byung-hoon maintains a grounded perspective on success,refusing to rely on fate or divine intervention.

Even if you say that, I don’t expect God to bring (winning). I don’t give it, but I have to get it. If I don’t win, it means that it means to work harder.

This unwavering belief in hard work and self-reliance is a testament to Ahn’s character. He understands that success is not guaranteed but rather earned through dedication and perseverance.

Legacy: A Father’s Example

Ahn emphasizes the importance of hard work and setting a positive example for his son.

Anyone who worked hard no matter what he did…My father wasn’t the best person to play table tennis. My mother would have hit much better. my mother was a real number one (world’s number one). But my mother was proud that ‘my father was always doing its best.’

He wants to be remembered as someone who gave his all, irrespective of the outcome.This reflects a deep appreciation for the value of effort and a desire to instill those values in his own child.

What lessons have Ahn Byung-hoon learned from competing against top golfers like Dustin Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau?

An Interview with Ahn Byung-hoon: Talking masters Golf and the Journey

Archyde News editor, Karen Miller, sits down with PGA Tour pro Ahn Byung-hoon to discuss his journey to the Masters.

Karen Miller: Welcome, Byung-hoon. Thanks for joining us. This year marks your sixth Masters start – how are you feeling as you approach the tournament?

ahn Byung-hoon: Thanks for having me.It’s always exciting to be back at Augusta. Every year at the Masters is an honor, and I’m looking forward to the challenge.

Karen Miller: You’ve been incredibly self-aware in your assessments. You mentioned that while “launching angle and spin are efficient,” you acknowledge the areas you need to improve. Can you elaborate on how you approach self-evaluation?

Ahn Byung-hoon: For me, it’s crucial to be realistic. Driving distance is good but I can’t compete with everyone. That helps keep me grounded and focused on those specific areas where I know I can get better, like my putting in 2018.

Karen Miller: You’ve competed against the best, like Dustin Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau. What lessons have you learned from those encounters on the course?

Ahn Byung-hoon: Seeing Johnson hit the ball at the Canadian Open, it showed me that to be the best, I need to minimize every mistake. Every shot counts.

Karen Miller: Your parents’ background in table tennis is interesting. How has their approach to sports influenced your career?

Ahn Byung-hoon: they always supported my independence. They never pushed me. It taught me how to find my own path and have a passion for the game.

Karen Miller: You made a meaningful swing change. That’s a bold move. What motivated that decision, and how did that impact you?

Ahn Byung-hoon: After the fedex ranking in 2020, I knew I need to break the current limitations to move forward, so I was prepared for possible setbacks.

Karen Miller: You shared a poignant experience with Grayson Murray. Can you talk to us about it, and about the mental health aspect of golf?

ahn Byung-hoon: It’s a tough subject. You look around and you see people putting on a facade of perfection. Murray made a long birdie against me, and I knew he was going through a hard time.We need to be more supportive and aware. It is a reminder that mental well-being is a priority for all players.

Karen Miller: The Masters is a special tournament. How important is winning a major championship to you?

Ahn Byung-hoon: It is the main goal.I want to win a major.

Karen Miller: What is your beliefs about success?

Ahn Byung-hoon: Even if you say that,I don’t expect God to bring (winning). I don’t give it, but I have to get it. If I don’t win,it means that it means to work harder.

Karen Miller: What is most important to you and what example do you want to set for your son?

Ahn Byung-hoon: I want my son to see that hard work and dedication,irrespective of the outcome,are essential. My father never was the best player, but he worked hard.I want to be remembered that.

Karen Miller: Ahn Byung-hoon, thank you for your time. We wish you the best of luck at the Masters. What do you make of Ahn’s viewpoint on constant growth and hard work? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Ahn Byung-hoon: Thank you for having me.