Kim Hyun-seok Claims First KPGA Champions Tour Victory: How He Overcame Challenges to Win
Daniel Kim Views
Translation result
Kim Hyun-seok, 53, captured his first senior title on the 2026 KPGA Champions Tour, winning the KPGA Legend Classic Series 1 (total purse 150,000,000 KRW (approximately $112,500), winner’s prize 24,000,000 KRW (approximately $18,000)).
Over the two-day event at Gumi CC’s Turtle and White Tiger courses in Gumi, North Gyeongsang, Kim opened with six birdies and two bogeys on Day 1 to card a 4-under 68 and sit in a tie for third.
On the final day, Kim played with steady composure. While many competitors struggled in gusty conditions, he made four birdies against two bogeys, shot 2-under for the round and closed at 6-under 138 to secure a two-stroke, come-from-behind victory.
After the win, Kim dedicated the triumph to ChamMaru Construction Chairman Jeong Hwan and CEO Park Jun-hong for their support through difficult training and challenging times. He also thanked his wife and family, saying he’s grateful to them and loves them.
“Strong, shifting winds on the final day made distance control really difficult,” Kim said. “I kept my head and managed the pressure when it mattered. My putting held up — I stuck long putts on tricky slopes to save pars, and I didn’t miss the opportunities that came. Lower-trajectory shots gave me confidence and helped me handle the wind.”
Kim joined the KPGA as a pro (associate member) in July 2008 and became a KPGA tour pro (full member) in June 2022. He primarily competed on the KPGA Challenge Tour after joining and moved to the KPGA Champions Tour in 2024.
Now in his third season on the Champions Tour, Kim said, “Through last season I was too hung up on my swing. When I made mistakes I punished myself and got down on myself. Lately I’ve relaxed, focused on each shot in the moment, and let go — and that mindset has produced better results.”
He outlined his goal plainly: “I want to be the leading money winner on the KPGA Champions Tour. If I keep playing like I did today, I believe that chance will come. I hope to give younger players hope and be a role model.”
Lee Su-haeng, 51, finished second at 4-under 140. Park Sung-pil (55), Choi Ho-sung (53, Geumgang Housing), Yeom Jeong-hwan (57) and Jeon Tae-hyun (59, KM Pharm) tied for third at 3-under 141.
The 2026 KPGA Champions Tour continues with the 5th ChamMaru Construction Senior Open, scheduled for the 27th–28th at Phoenix CC’s Mountain and Lake courses.
Most Commented