Seong-Hyeon Kim grabbed the big title of "No.1 professional of Japan" by beating the tough field at the Japan PGA Championship. It was 2-way tie until the final 18th, but Seong-Hyeon Kim came through with taking his distance as advantage.

Key factor for Seong-Hyeon's victory was his 2nd shot by 8I. Yuki Inamori used Utility club to hit his 2nd shot from the fairway and it missed the green to right side. Which Yuki recalled afterwards, "with Seong-Hyeon's distance and being able to hit with short Iron is a big advantage".

"When I saw Yuki miss the green to right side, I decided to go safe and targeted left ward", later explained Seong-Hyeon.

Yuta Ikeda who was 1 shot behind had an almost the same distance birdie chance as Seong-Hyeon did, but Yuta failed to make it. Yuki who tried to save par from the backend fringe also failed to do so. Seong-Hyeon closed the deal by safely making 2 putt for par to take away the victory.
"I am honored to have win this prestigious title among strong field."

Seong-Hyeon resulted 4th on 2018 QT and joined Japan Tour. On his rookie year he finished at 59th on the Money Rankings and earned his Tour Card successfully. He was looking forward to achieving more on the Tour, but pandemic shut down his way. He went back to his home country Korea, but he didn't have credentials to play at Korean Tour. He worked his way up through the cub-tour, and finally won the KPGA Championship by fighting through from the qualifier.

Now, Seong-Hyeon has big "Japan" title under his name. He made his best finish, 3T at Kansai Open in April. Then in May at Golf Partner Pro-Am, he scored 58 on the final round and finished at 11T.

Seong-Hyeon will return to Korea, then get ready for his dream to be on the US PGA Tour. He will go step by step, and challenge from the qualifier of the PGA cub-tour.
"With vaccination I don't have to go through the restriction period, but I won't be able to come to Japan so often from now on. So, I am grateful that I have won this great tournament."