Won and runner-up at the Korean Open to qualify for the D-Open
Seung-soo Han, 37, and Kyung-nam Kang, 40, are set to make their first career start at The Open Championship.
The duo will compete in The Open Championship ($16.5 million purse – $3 million winner’s share) at Royal Liverpool Golf Club (par 71, 7383 yards) in Wirral, England, starting on Tuesday (July 20).
The Open Championship is the world’s oldest golf tournament, founded in 1680 and celebrating its 151st edition this year.
Han Seung-soo and Kang Kyung-nam qualified for The Open Championship by winning and finishing runner-up, respectively, at the 65th Korea Open at Kolon.
For both players, this is their first appearance at the Open Championship.
“I am very excited to compete in the Open Championship in my 20th year on tour,” said Kang. “I hope to bring home a good result at the Open Championship as I have been given a valuable opportunity, and I will come away with a meaningful experience.”
“It’s an honor to play in the oldest golf tournament in the world,” said Han, “and my confidence is high after winning the Korean Open. If I can adapt quickly to the windy Royal Liverpool Golf Club course, I’m sure I’ll have a good result.”
Meanwhile, Kim Biao (33), who finished tied for fourth at the Asian Tour World City Championship, will also be competing in The Open Championship.
In addition to Kang, Han, Seung-soo Han and Kim, the Korean Open Championship will also feature Im Sung-jae (25), Kim Siwoo (28), Kim Joo-hyung (21), Lee Kyung-hoon (32) and Ahn Byung-hoon (32).
The previous best finish by a South Korean player in The Open Championship was a tie for 15th in 2007 by Choi Kyung-ju (53). 한국야동 Last year, Kim Si Woo tied for 15th on the Old Course at St. Andrews.