Search

show me:

South Koreans eye off lucrative golf purse

3 minute read

South Koreans Byeong Hun An and Si Woo Kim admit a major share of the $9.7 million purse at the World Cup will be on their minds during the final round.

A World Cup of Golf victory would not exempt Byeong Hun An and Si Woo Kim from compulsory military service in their native South Korea.

But the duo are certainly eyeing the $1.5 million cheque given to each member of the winning team at the unofficial US PGA Tour event in Melbourne.

Korea gave themselves some hope of reeling in runaway leaders Belgium, whose team of Thomas Pieters and Thomas Detry fired a blistering nine-under-par 63 to take the 54-hole lead at 19 under.

Mexican duo Roberto Diaz and last week's Australian Open winner Abraham Ancer (65) share second at 14 under with Korea (68) and Italy (66).

Australia (65) are in a tie for fifth alongside England duo Ian Poulter and Tyrrell Hatton (67) and Swedes Alexander Bjork and Joakim Lagergren (64).

As South Korean males aged between 18-35, An and Kim will face two years of conscription unless they can secure one of a few exemptions for athletes excelling in their chosen sport.

That includes a gold medal at the Asian games or any medal at the Olympics.

Recently, two-time PGA Tour winner Sang Moon Bae made his return to professional golf after the two-year service.

Although the 28-team World Cup is not among those coveted trophies, An says a lion's share of the purse is incentive to steal victory at Melbourne's Metropolitan Golf Club on Sunday.

"No, a World Cup would not exempt us but we would like some money, that's for sure ... there is motivation there," An told AAP.

Sunday's final round reverts to foursomes, which was also played on Friday and sees teammates hit alternate shots using the one ball.

An says the volatile format gives Korea a chance at chasing down their five-shot deficit to Belgium.

"Definitely. Anything can happen because it's foursomes," he said.

Think. Is this a bet you really want to place?

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au