Korea’s Park hits a winning note at ERPM
Korea's Hyun Park celebrated his maiden pro win in sensational fashion when he reeled in a flock of birds over the last five holes at ERPM Golf Club to claim the IGT Tour's second Race to the USA on Wednesday, May 14.
The overnight leader drew level at six under par with Englishman Mike Downes through 13 holes.
An ace at the par-three 14th spurred a birdie-eagle-birdie finish, though, and the 22-year-old signed for a 66 and a runaway six-stroke victory on 11-under-par 205.
South Africa’s Herman Minnie carded a 70 to share the runner-up spot with Downes, who beat Park’s score by two strokes to claim the low round of the day.
Park, who won twice in top amateur events in his native Seoul, savoured his first success in the paid ranks.
“I was quite nervous at the start of the round,” Park admitted. “I didn’t think about winning, but after I made the hole-in-one, I began to believe I could win.
“I just told myself to stay calm and to stay in the moment. I’m so very happy to have this victory.”
Park has been campaigning on the country’s premier development Tour since November last year, when he arrived in South Africa to prepare for the Sunshine Tour’s Qualifying School.
The podium finish follows a top 10, two top sixes and two runner-up finishes in his last five starts.
“One goal this year was to finish in the top 10 in half my starts on the IGT Tour,” he said.
“Another was to try and win twice. It is going very, very well, so far, I think.”
Park reeled in birdies at the second and third, but gave one back at the par-three fifth. He parred his way to the turn and was six under after dropping another shot at the par-five 12th.
Downes, meanwhile, breakthrough in the pro ranks follows.
Downes birdied the second and sixth to dip to one over, but a birdie at the par-four ninth ignited a seven birdie run that ran to ground with a par at the 16th.
“That was a lot of fun,” said Downes after sealing his third runner-up finish in five starts.
“I just got going and every putt I looked at dropped. I kind of thought I would have to shoot 10 under to have half a chance of catching Hyun, so it’s great to know that I got close.”
Downes also travelled to South Africa for a shot at gaining a Sunshine Tour card.
