Asian Tour Yearbook - 2022

Sihwan’s relief at belated victory Stunning start to International Series D uring a decade-long history of close calls and near misses, deep in his sub-conscience, Sihwan Kim must occasionally have wondered whether he’d ever make it into the winners’ enclosure. After relinquishing his amateur status in 2011, the Korean-born American had earned a decent living as a professional golfer. But a tournament victory remained frustratingly elusive. Prior to his arrival at Black Mountain Golf Club for the US$1.5 million International Series Thailand, there’d been eight top- four finishes on the Asian Tour since 2018. He’d been in the final pairing on Sunday on multiple occasions, but twice a runner-up was the best he had to show for it. Surely it was only a matter of time before the duck was broken and the floodgates opened? Since the resumption of the Asian Tour in late 2021, his form had been outstanding – joint fourth at the Blue Canyon Phuket Championship, fourth in the SMBC Singapore Open, and tied second in the Royal’s Cup, the week before the much-heralded launch of the International Series. It was with mixed emotions, therefore, that 33-year-old Kim arrived in Hua Hin – disappointment at once more being pipped at the post diluted by another strong showing and a healthy pay cheque. With the golfing world watching closely, the Asian Tour’s inaugural International Series event was the perfect platform for Kim to continue showcasing the talent with which he has always been blessed. And this time he duly delivered, a stunning 10-under- par opening 62, with an Asian Tour record-equalling front nine of 28, setting him on the way to a belated breakthrough win – the culmination of a journey that began before he was crowned US Junior Amateur champion in 2004. “To get that monkey off your back is more of a relief, and happiness. I know I had it in me, but I guess I just stayed diligent throughout my career, and here I am,” said Kim, who earned a cheque for Sihwan Kim (FAR LEFT) with the first trophy of his professional career, and (RIGHT) celebrating on 18 with Prom Meesawat. 39 To get that monkey off your back is more of a relief, and happiness. SIHWAN KIM I N T E R N AT I O N A L S E R I E S T H A I L A N D B L AC K MOUNTAI N GO LF C LUB | MAR CH 3 - 6 | P R IZE MON E Y US$1 . 5 M I L LI ON INTERNATIONAL SERIES THAILAND