Korea’s Byeong Hun An and S.H. Kim made it a memorable week by claiming tied fourth finishes at THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson on Sunday, with Taiga Semikawa of Japan additionally beaming with delight following a career-first PGA TOUR top-10.
An, 32, loved a wonderful end with 5 birdies over his closing seven holes for a 6-under 65 and 20-under 264 whole at TPC Craig Ranch, which was matched by Kim who fired a stellar 64 following a birdie-eagle conclusion within the US$9.5 million PGA TOUR showpiece the place Korean conglomerate, CJ Group, is the title sponsor.
It was An’s fourth top-10 of the season which strikes him up one rung to eighth place on the FedExCup factors record whereas Kim savoured a primary top-10 of the yr. Canadian Taylor Pendrith claimed his maiden PGA TOUR title by a single stroke from Ben Kohles of the U.S. with a remaining spherical 67 giving him a profitable 23-under whole.
Japanese rising star Semikawa, competing on a sponsor’s exemption, additionally impressed with a second 64 of the week which propelled him to a share of ninth place on 18-under. Compatriot Ryo Hisatsune (64) and Si Woo Kim of Korea (67) have been an additional stroke again in tied thirteenth place.
An traded seven birdies in opposition to a lone bogey as he placed on one other spectacular end regardless of enjoying with a sore wrist. “I used to be quick by only some pictures, however I gave it my all. Regardless of not being at 100%, I managed to play persistently, which I am pleased about,” mentioned An. “I am particularly happy with my efficiency within the latter half of the match. I created some alternatives. I hope to keep up this momentum subsequent week (Wells Fargo Championship). My wrist is feeling good in the meanwhile. I used to be struggling at Harbor City final week, but it surely’s a lot better now.”
S.H. Kim, that includes in his second season on the PGA TOUR, was lastly in a position to crack a smile and after reaching his finest results of the season up to now. The spotlight of his day got here with an eagle on the par-5 18th gap as he executed a exact second shot that landed 12 ft from the pin. “I had a superb begin on the primary gap. There was fairly a niche with the chief, so I simply wished to keep up my sport. Total, I am pleased and happy,” mentioned Kim, who made birdies on Gap Nos. 1, 6, 9, 10, 14 and 17, all from inside eight ft.
“I struggled with my iron pictures and placing for some time, however I noticed enchancment on this occasion. My placing wasn’t too unhealthy, though I skilled some ups and downs. This week, I felt assured studying the greens. I am pleased with this outcome and really feel assured now. I do know I nonetheless have a protracted method to go, however this week has set the tone for the remainder of my season,” he added.
Like An and Kim, Semikawa additionally made a late surge up the leaderboard, selecting up 5 strokes in his final 5 holes, which included a chip-in eagle on the sixth gap after beginning his day from the tenth tee. The 23-year-old, who’s a four-time Japan Golf Tour winner, earned a spot within the Myrtle Seaside together with his top-10 end.
“A 7-under spherical with two bogeys, so it is exhausting to be too disillusioned. I used to be happy to birdie No. 5, and on the sixth, I targeted on getting my second shot shut to offer myself a birdie alternative. Fortunately, it hit the pin and dropped in (for eagle). No. 7 was difficult, so securing a birdie there felt good,” mentioned Semikawa, who’s a former world No. 1 beginner.
Pendrith, 32, made historical past as the primary Canadian to win THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson, securing a victory with a composed birdie on the ultimate gap, one forward of Kohles who had led made a bogey. “I’ve by no means had a putt to win a PGA TOUR occasion, so my caddie mentioned that is the straightest putt we have had all yr and simply knock it in. It managed to slide within the left. I am fairly pleased,” mentioned Pendrith.