"Monstrous longe-hitter" conquered the "Monster Course" today. Chan Kim, the driving distance champion of 2017, finished his Round 1 with 6 under 65. The venue Fujizakura GC is the second longest course on the Tour with the length of 7566 yards.

"I think I could carry the ball longer than other players and that seems to be a good advantage here" said Chan, who sits as provisional solo leader for Round 1. (Round 1 was suspended. The starting time was delayed due to thick fog and 1 group couldn't finish by the sunset).

On Par 4 5th hole with 535 yards, Chan shot his 1W to 340 yards. Then shot 200 yards to the pin from the fairway with 7I to 4 meters and easily made a birdie. Chan Kim was No1 in the driving distance in 2017, he was in the great position for the Order of Merit race, but he has injured his back during the last few games. Then in 2018, he has also injured his left hand, couldn't play in competitive golf for a full year.

This season, he was ready to compete again and came back to the Tour from the season opening event. New face long-hitter, 26 years old Takahiro Hadaji admires Chan Kim and they eat out sometimes. Takahiro is 3 years younger than Chan, but he challenges Chan and claims that "I am going to get the DD title this season." Chan just replies saying "Okay, do your best."

Chan says that his back ache is cured but his swing is not completely back.
"I do feel that I want to swing like I used to, but the swing I have now is giving me stable game, I don't want to push myself. This course gets tougher day by day, so I want to stay calm and focused."

Could "Monster long-hitter" beat the "Monster course" completely for all 4 rounds?
Let's see how it will turn out on Sunday afternoon.