Shin Sang-hun Rides Momentum into Leading Group on First Day of KPGA Tour Lexus Masters

Riding a fierce wave of momentum in the second half of the KPGA Tour, Shin Sang-hun has placed himself near the top of the leaderboard on the first day of the Lexus Masters (total purse of 1 billion won).

Shin recorded five birdies and one bogey through 17 holes in the opening round of the tournament held today (October 29) at the Ocean Course (par 71) of Club72 Country Club in Incheon.

Starting as part of the final group, Shin hit his tee shot into the fairway on the 18th hole (par 5) before play was suspended due to darkness.

Shin, who will play the remaining holes of the first round tomorrow morning, finished the opening day tied for third place at 4-under par, two shots behind leader Jung Yu-jun, who shot a 6-under 65.

Shin has finished in the top ten in five out of seven tournaments in the latter half of the season, highlighted by his first win of the year at the Golfzon Open back in September.

Surpassing Jang Yu-bin, who has two wins this season, to take the lead in the Genesis Points standings, Shin will put himself in an advantageous position to claim the grand prize if he wins this tournament.

Despite the rainy and windy conditions during the first round, Shin swung fiercely, picking up four birdies on the front nine alone.

After adding another birdie on the 15th hole (par 4), Shin fell short of the green on the 16th hole (par 4) with his second shot, sending the ball into the rough, but managed to salvage par by sinking a 2.3-meter putt.

However, as it grew dark, he landed his tee shot on the green at the 17th hole (par 3) but three-putted, dropping a stroke.

Jung Yu-jun, who vaulted into the sole lead, sits 111th in the points standings and desperately needs a victory to secure his playing rights for next season.

Jang Yu-bin, who is competing with Shin for the grand prize and ranks third in points, shot 3-under 68 with five birdies and two bogeys to tie for sixth place.

Jeong Chan-min, who is second in the points race, is tied for 17th at 1-under 70.

(Photo provided by KPGA, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.