Sungjae Im Dominates Final Round In Las Vegas

Sungjae Im Dominates Final Round In Las Vegas

Sungjae Im Shriners
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Sungjae Im made nine birdies in a remarkable final round to wrap up a four-shot victory and his second PGA Tour title at the Shriners Children's Open

Having won his first PGA Tour title in his 50th start, the 23-year-old doubled down in Vegas, claiming his second victory in his 100th outing.

Im was superb over the TPC Summerlin layout, compiling nine birdies in a blemish-free final round and securing a four-shot win over Matthew Wolff, who finished runner-up at the event for a second consecutive year.

"The big difference between yesterday and today was that today there was no wind compared to round three," said Im. "Tee to Green, driver, irons, putting worked as I wanted to and it gave me a good result.

"It was very tough to get my first win but I felt like the second one was harder and harder, but I kept my patience. I tried to stay composed throughout the period and I'm glad it came."

Starting the day three back of the overnight leader, Im started superbly, holing a long putt at the first, before another birdie at the fourth got him into contention.

Then came a simply scintillating run, with seven birdies in an eight-hole stretch giving the South Korean a clear advantage with five holes still remaining.

Sungjae Im Shriners

Im's attention now turns to the CJ Cup next week. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)

Parring in, Im cruised to his first title since the 2020 Honda Classic.

"I know I won my first title on my 50th start, and to win my second PGA Tour title on my 100th start, that in itself is a pretty amazing stat," said the 23-year-old.

"It was hard coming, but I think today how everything went I think it was a gift from above. I played so well and I'm glad I got the win.

"To be honest with you, I didn't even know that I birdied five holes in a row. I was just constantly focused each and every single hole to get through it without a mistake, it's incredible that I made five in a row."

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Matt Cradock
Staff Writer

Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.

Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.

Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?

Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°

Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°

Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°

Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW

Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°

Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x