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The Best Korean Golfers

Vote for the best Korean golfers based on their golfing talent and skill.

Have you ever wondered how many famous golfers are from Korea? There is no lack of skill in the country, as we demonstrate on this ranked list of the best Korean golfers. The poll below contains both famous men and women golfers from Korea, most of which are professional players and some of who are even amongst the greatest golfers of all time . Vote up who you believe to be the top golfers from France, and even add any up and coming players to the list if they aren't already here.

One great Korean golfer is Inbee Park. Park has 25 professional wins, 17 of which came on the LPGA tour. Park was also the number one ranked player in the Women's World Golf Rankings from April 15, 2013 to June 1, 2014. Another great golfer from Korea is K. J. Choi who has won 20 professional golf torunaments, eight of which were on the PGA Tour. Choi is arguably Asia's most successful male golfer on the international level. 

A trailblazer for Korean golfers on the global stage, Pak Se-ri, with her unwavering determination and smooth swing, has inspired countless athletes in her home country to pursue professional golf. Known for her remarkable ability to maintain composure under immense pressure, she gracefully captured the hearts of fans around the world. Since her retirement, her enduring impact on the sport is evident as she paved the way for a new generation of Korean talents to dominate the LPGA Tour, making her one of the best Korean golfers of all time.

Synonymous with consistency and finesse, Inbee Park has been a prominent force in women's golf since her debut. Her unshakeable focus and finesse on the greens make her one of the most formidable players on the tour, especially during major tournaments. As she continues to be a role model for aspiring Korean golfers, Park's legacy is cemented as one of the most distinguished and influential players in the history of the sport.

Armed with exceptional versatility and adaptability, Kim Si-woo has quickly ascended the ranks to establish himself as one of the premier Korean golfers on the PGA Tour. His ability to deliver clutch performances on the biggest stages demonstrates his mental fortitude and undeniable talent. As he progresses through his career, Kim's impressive accomplishments thus far indicate that he is poised to carry the torch for Korean golfers on the world stage.

K.J. Choi's unwavering work ethic, coupled with his brilliant shot-making skills, helped cement his position as one of the pioneering figures of Korean golf. Possessing an innate understanding of course management, Choi navigated challenges with ease and finesse, earning him a reputation as an astute tactician on the fairways. As an inspirational figure for many golfers in his home country, Choi's impact on the sport is indisputable and his contributions to Korean golf are immeasurable.

In-Kyung Kim

With an effortless swing and steadfast determination, In-Kyung Kim has solidified her standing as one of Korea's greatest female golfers. Her impeccable ball-striking ability and steadfast composure on the course have led her to numerous victories, proving that she is indeed a force to be reckoned with amongst her contemporaries. As she continues to add to her already impressive resume, Kim's impact on the sport is unquestionable, inspiring countless Korean women to pursue their ambitions on the golf course.

Grace Park burst onto the golf scene with her powerful drives and aggressive play, quickly making her mark as one of Korea's top female golfers . Her tenacity and determination led to numerous victories, showcasing her raw talent combined with a relentless will to win. As one of the forerunners for Korean women in professional golf, Park's influence remains strong as she has inspired a new generation of aspiring golfers in her homeland.

Choi Na-Yeon

With her unwavering dedication to excellence and an unshakeable determination to succeed, Choi Na-Yeon has made a colossal impact on both the LPGA Tour and the world of Korean golf. Possessing remarkable technique and precision on the greens, she navigates even the most challenging courses with ease and confidence. As she continues to inspire the next generation of Korean golfers, Na-Yeon's contributions to the sport are undeniable and her place among Korean golf's elite is well deserved.

Ryu So-Yeon

Combining her innate talent with incredible work ethic, Ryu So-Yeon has consistently been a dominant force in women's golf. Her exceptional iron play and remarkable consistency on the greens have positioned her as one of the most formidable competitors on the LPGA Tour. Continuously surpassing expectations, Ryu's ever-growing list of accomplishments serves as an inspiration to Korean golfers worldwide, and solidifies her status as one of the nation's premier athletes.

An Byeong-hun

Renowned for his elegant swing and precision, An Byeong-hun's meteoric rise in the world of golf is a testament to his immense talent and unwavering dedication to perfecting his craft. With a seemingly unshakable focus, he consistently delivers exceptional performances under pressure, illustrating his position as one of the premier Korean golfers. As his career continues to flourish, Byeong-hun's achievements serve as an inspiration to both fans and fellow athletes alike.

Known for his meticulous approach to the game and unwavering determination, Kevin Na has long been a stalwart of the PGA Tour. With his tactical prowess and exceptional short game, Na consistently contends at the highest level, bringing pride to the Korean community with each accomplishment. As he continues to forge his legacy within the sport, Na embodies the tenacity, spirit, and passion that make him one of Korea's best golfers.

Chella Choi

Chella Choi's unique blend of precision, power, and finesse has allowed her to make a significant impact on the LPGA Tour and solidify her position as one of Korea's best female golfers. Her unwavering determination and commitment to honing her craft have led her to numerous hard-fought victories, showcasing her impressive skills and true champion mentality. As she continues to excel on the world stage, Choi's contributions to the sport and influence on future generations of Korean golfers remain immeasurable.

Noh Seung-yul

Exemplifying exceptional course management skills and a natural talent for shot-making, Noh Seung-yul has quickly become one of the most promising Korean golfers on the PGA Tour. With his smooth swing and aggressive style of play, he consistently brings excitement and flair to the tournament circuit. As he continues to build upon his already impressive repertoire, Seung-yul stands out as a shining example of the immense potential and dedication inherent in Korea's emerging golf stars.

Highly regarded for his precision and strategic skill on the course, Charlie Wi has solidified his standing as one of Korea's most prominent golfers. His impressive performances on the international stage showcase his unwavering focus and drive, making him a role model for aspiring athletes. As Wi continues to forge his path in the world of professional golf, his dedication, passion, and commitment to excellence serve as an inspiration to future generations of Korean golfers.

Yang Yong-eun

Captivating golf fans worldwide with his exceptional ball-striking ability and resilient drive, Yang Yong-eun has been a trailblazer for Korean golfers on the international stage. Renowned for his outstanding performances under pressure, he has consistently showcased a rare combination of focus, determination, and raw talent. As he continues to make an indelible mark on the sport, Yong-eun's contributions to Korean golf are undeniable, and his influence on future generations of players will be everlasting.

With her unwavering resolve and exceptional shot-making ability, Jiyai Shin's presence on the LPGA Tour has been nothing short of extraordinary. Her remarkable consistency on the greens and unique approach to course management have earned her numerous accolades and respect from her peers. As she continues to build upon her already impressive resumé, Shin's dedication, skill, and passion for the sport exemplify the qualities that make her one of Korea's greatest golfers.

Shi-Hyun Ahn

Shi-Hyun Ahn's remarkable ability to exceed expectations, even in the face of adversity, has earned her a respected place among Korea's elite female golfers. Her unwavering resolve and impressive skillset have consistently led her to success on the LPGA Tour, inspiring fans and fellow athletes alike. As she continues to forge her path in professional golf, Ahn's dedication, talent, and tenacity serve as an inspiration to countless aspiring Korean golfers.

Bae Sang-moon

Combining immense talent with an unyielding work ethic, Bae Sang-moon has solidified his standing as one of the premier Korean golfers on the PGA Tour. His powerful drives and precision in the short game make him a formidable competitor on any course, reflecting his extensive dedication to the sport. As he continues to represent Korea on the world stage, Sang-moon's success serves as an inspiration to aspiring golfers in his homeland, highlighting the limitless potential within the nation's golfing community.

Meena Lee's outstanding skill in navigating even the most challenging courses has solidified her place among the best female golfers from Korea. Her impressive short game, combined with her natural talent for shot-making, has led to numerous victories on the LPGA Tour. As her career continues to flourish, Lee's passion for the sport and dedication to excellence serve as an inspiration to future generations of Korean golfers.

Jee-Young Lee

Jee-Young Lee's exceptional golfing skills, characterized by her powerful drives and unwavering tenacity, have secured her place among Korea's top female golfers. Her ability to consistently perform at a high level, even under extreme pressure, has made her an inspiration to aspiring golfers in her home country. As she continues to make her mark on the LPGA Tour, Jee-Young's contributions to the sport and her influence on the next generation of Korean golfers remain both significant and far-reaching.

Ok-Hee Ku's outstanding precision and graceful swing have ranked her among the best female golfers hailing from Korea. Her commitment to excellence and undeniable talent have earned her the respect of her peers and the admiration of fans around the world. As her influence continues to shape the trajectory of Korean golf, Ku's impact on the sport and her legacy as a pioneering figure will be long-lasting and profound.

Kim Young's masterful technique and innate ability to read the course have established him as a formidable presence on the global golfing stage. His unrivaled dedication to perfecting his craft, combined with his tireless work ethic, has garnered him recognition and success in numerous international tournaments. As he continues to blaze a trail for Korean golfers worldwide, Young's impact on the sport is truly immeasurable.

Mi-Hyun Kim

With her innate talent for ball-striking and an unshakable determination to succeed, Mi-Hyun Kim has left an indelible mark on professional golf. Her powerful swing and heightened accuracy on the fairways have captivated fans and peers alike, securing her position as one of Korea's finest female golfers. As her legacy continues to inspire a new generation of players, Kim's impact on the sport remains both profound and lasting.

Park Hee-Young

Renowned for her elegant swing and fierce determination, Park Hee-Young has emerged as one of the most formidable Korean golfers on the LPGA Tour. Her remarkable ability to perform under pressure, combined with her skillful approach to even the most challenging courses, sets her apart as a true talent in the sport. As she continues to carve out her place among the world's best, Hee-Young's dedication to excellence serves as a shining example for aspiring Korean golfers.

Kim Kyung-tae

With his powerful drives and exceptional iron play, Kim Kyung-tae has firmly established himself as one of Korea's premier golfers. His undaunted commitment to honing his craft has led to numerous successes on the international stage, making him a role model for aspiring golfers from his homeland. As he continues to make his mark on the professional circuit, Kyung-tae's impact on the sport remains both significant and inspirational.

Song-Hee Kim

Song-Hee Kim's exceptional skill, resilience, and steely determination have firmly placed her among the best female golfers from Korea. As she consistently delivers outstanding performances on the LPGA Tour, her unwavering dedication to success and an impressive list of accomplishments have endeared her to both fans and fellow players alike. As she continues to break through barriers and reach new heights in her career, Kim's impact on the sport and her role in inspiring future generations of Korean golfers will be long-lasting and profound.

Combining her innate talent with an unyielding drive for success, Jimin Kang has cemented her position as one of Korea's finest female golfers. With her exceptional shot-making skills and steadfast determination to overcome even the most challenging courses, Kang has made a lasting impression on the LPGA Tour. As her career continues to flourish, her impact on the sport and her inspiring legacy will undoubtedly be felt by future generations of Korean golfers.

Combining an effortless swing with an incredible dedication to perfecting her craft, Eun-Hee Ji has established herself as one of Korea's most promising female golfers. Her sterling performances on the LPGA Tour have showcased her unshakeable focus and ice-cool composure under pressure, making her a force to be reckoned with among her competitors. As she continues to build upon her already impressive list of accomplishments, Ji's influence on the sport and her role in inspiring the next generation of Korean golfers are truly monumental.

Han Hee-Won

Han Hee-Won's remarkable precision and unparalleled work ethic have secured her place among the best female golfers hailing from Korea. Her ability to deliver captivating performances on the world stage has earned her the adoration of fans and respect from her peers. As her career continues to soar, Hee-Won's influence on the future generations of Korean golfers, and her considerable contributions to the sport, remain both powerful and enduring.

Kang Soo-Yun

Kang Soo-Yun's exceptional ball-striking ability and unyielding perseverance have established her as one of Korea's most impressive female golfers. Adept at navigating even the most challenging courses, her unwavering focus and determination have led to numerous successes on the LPGA Tour. As she continues to shatter expectations and reach new heights in her career, Soo-Yun's legacy within the sport and her influence on the future of Korean golf are truly admirable.

Lee Dong-hwan

With an unwavering commitment to excellence and an innate understanding of the intricacies of the sport, Lee Dong-hwan has rapidly established himself as one of Korea's most promising golfers. His stellar performances on the international stage are a testament to his talent, resilience, and dedication to his craft. As he continues to shine in the world of professional golf, Dong-hwan's achievements serve as an inspiration to countless aspiring athletes in his homeland.

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Who is Byeong Hun An? South Korean golfer on 2024 Masters leaderboard Thursday

Byeong Hun An had a solid showing on the first 18 holes of the 2024 Masters on Thursday, starting his run with three consecutive birdies.

An, who finished 2-under par on Thursday, was a surprise on the early Masters leaderboard, as the South Korean had a solid start at Augusta National.

REQUIRED READING: How all 13 LIV golfers performed at 2024 Masters Thursday, including Bryson DeChambeau

While the Masters leaderboard will certainly change between now and Sunday, the final day of the tournament, An is hoping a strong start can provide momentum for the rest of the event.

Here's everything to know about An after his start to the Masters on Thursday:

Who is Byeong Hun An?

Byeong Hun An is a South Korean golfer currently on the PGA Tour, and earned an invitational to the 2024 Masters.

The 32-year-old turned pro in 2011 after a college career at Cal. He was born in Seoul, South Korea, and according to his PGA Tour bio, his English name is Ben.

An moved to the United States in 2005 to attend the David Leadbetter Golf Academy in Bradenton, Florida.

An has never won a PGA Tour event, however, has finished runner-up five times and inside the top five 13 times. He's currently in seventh place in the PGA Tour's FedEx Cup Playoffs and is ranked 44th in the Official World Golf Ranking.

The 2024 Masters marks An's fifth appearance at Augusta National, however, it's his first since 2020. This year's event is all special for An, as it's his first time at the tournament with his wife and children in attendance, he told the PGA Tour.

An became the youngest winner of the U.S. Amateur in 2009, which is an annual tournament consisting of the best amateur golfers in the United States.

REQUIRED READING: Akshay Bhatia recalls Drive, Chip & Putt, Junior Invitational ahead of 2024 Masters

Byeong Hun An tournament history

Byeong Hun An has never won a PGA Tour tournament, however, has been a runner-up five times and top-five finisher 13 times.

Byeong Hun An career earnings

Byeong Hun An's official career earnings are $15,846,169, according to his PGA Tour bio.

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Tom Kim shines the brightest for Asian golf in 2023

Tom Kim poses with the trophy after putting in to win on the 18th green during the final round of the Shriners Children's Open at TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas, Nevada on Oct. 15, 2023. [GETTY IMAGES]

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Tom Kim tees off on the 3rd hole during Day Four of the Genesis Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club in Berwick, Scotland on July 16, 2023. [GETTY IMAGES]

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South Korean golfers Sungjae Im & Si Woo Kim team for win, exemption from military service

While the focus of the golf world this week was the Ryder Cup in Italy, something equally special was happening in Hangzhou, China, at the Asian Games.

South Korean golfers Si Woo Kim and Sungjae Im helped their home country win the gold medal in golf. That’s a big deal for one reason: It makes the two PGA Tour pros — Im is ranked 27th in the world while Kim is No. 40 — exempt from serving the two-year mandatory military service that is required in Korea.

Teaming with amateurs Jang Yu-bin and Cho Woo-young, Im, 25, and Kim, 28, cruised to a 25-stroke win over Thailand for the team gold medal Sunday at the West Lake International Golf Course. It was the country’s first men’s golf title in 13 years.

“This has been the longest four days of my career,” Im told reporters. “Every hole felt so important, and I knew every shot counted for our team event. I wanted to fight for every shot and do the best I could until the finish.”

All able-bodied males are obligated to serve between 18 and 21 months in the military once they turn 19. They can postpone the date of their service but without a significant cultural justification, like an Olympic medal, service is mandatory.

Seung Yul-Noh and Sang-Moon Bae are two Korean golfers who won on the PGA Tour before their mandatory service obligation but haven’t been able to regain their form after taking two years away from competition.

Only an Olympic medal, or a gold medal at the Asian Games, is worthy of an exemption in the eyes of the South Korean government. Im and Kim failed to medal at the Olympics in Japan.

Im finished runner-up in the individual portion of the event, a shot back of China’s Taichi Kho, a Notre Dame alum who primarily plays on the Asian Tour. Kim was three shots behind Im, finishing fourth place.

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South Korean golf star Tom Kim finds balance, ready for big season in 2024 on PGA Tour

Chuah Choo Chiang

When young South Korean star Tom Kim qualified for his maiden Tour Championship appearance in August by being among the elite 30 golfers on the PGA Tour, he was asked how he would grade his 2022-23 season.

The 21-year-old gave himself a C-minus.

It certainly felt Kim was being extremely hard on himself, as his first full season on the elite circuit had at the time included one victory and seven other top-10s, including at two of the Majors.

“It’s just the truth,” said Kim without batting an eyelid. “I won a title this season, but it wasn’t this year, and it was about 10 months ago.

“However, I also had some good results in the Majors, so it’s a positive. I gained confidence and comfort in those events. Golf is a sport that is judged by results, so I’m disappointed I didn’t win this year.”

When quizzed on what he needed to have given himself a better grade, he simply replied – “start winning” – which he duly delivered with a sensational third PGA Tour victory when he retained his title at the Shriners Children’s Open in Las Vegas in October.

Kim’s self-deprecating attitude, coupled with a winning mentality and an abundance of talent, are ingredients that should propel him towards his goals of winning golf’s biggest tournaments and becoming world No. 1.

He will end 2023 as the highest-ranked Asian golfer at world No. 11, eclipsing the likes of countrymen Im Sung-jae and Kim Si-woo and Japanese star Hideki Matsuyama.

The year was no doubt a tale of two halves for Kim, who struggled for consistent results after ramping up his ball speed. He enjoyed a couple of top-10s early in 2023 before hitting a flatline.

“Technically, my ball speed has gone up a lot from last year, so my timing is a little different,” he said.

“I needed to find new balance with my body and my swing.

“As these things improved in the second half, my results improved and I made the most progress in my short game and mentality.”

He recalled flushing a pure four-iron approach to perfection on the final hole of the US Open at Los Angeles Country Club in June, which produced a closing birdie and a career-first top-10 at a Major.

It proved to be the catalyst for a strong summer, as he went on to finish tied-sixth at the Scottish Open and runner-up at the British Open, despite playing with a sprained ankle.

He feels the biggest change for him since bursting through in 2022 with two Tour titles and delivering a memorable outing at the Presidents Cup is his mindset and mentality.

“I feel like I am a completely different person now,” Kim said.

“I have a really good team around me.

“Whenever I am hard on myself, they always give me perspective.

“I’ve seen the results of after a tough round the attitude that I go into the next day... if I have a great attitude, I always play better.

“I’ve had days when I played bad and the next day had a bad attitude and played horrible. I’ve definitely had to learn.

“Also, when I play with the best players in the world, I learn a lot, not only about golf, but also about life.”

With a base firmly established in Dallas, Kim is ready to take his career to new heights in 2024, which will include the Paris Olympic Games.

“For the first time in my life right, I’m feeling the balance of knowing where I’m playing every year and what my schedule is going to look like next year,” he said.

“I don’t need to bounce around houses or hotels, don’t need to worry about booking an Airbnb.

“I can just go back to my house and that balance in general, it’s just the biggest thing.”

• Chuah Choo Chiang is senior director, marketing & communications – APAC, for the PGA Tour and is based in Malaysia. Fans can watch the PGA Tour on Mola TV.

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Will Zalatoris back injury flares up, joins fellow Byron Nelson favorite to withdraw

Zalatoris and another heavy hitter withdrew from the CJ CUP Byron Nelson event, which left an very few top rated golfers.

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Share All sharing options for: Will Zalatoris back injury flares up, joins fellow Byron Nelson favorite to withdraw

Two of the betting favorites for the CJ CUP Byron Nelson have withdrawn. Will Zalatoris and Sungjae Im will both miss the tournament.

The field for this week’s tournament already lacked star power, but with these two pulled out, it becomes even weaker. Zalatoris came in with the third-best odds to win at 22-1 following a strong T9 performance at The Masters . Only Jordan Spieth and Jason Day had stronger odds to emerge victorious at his hometown event.

Granted, he finished T44 at RBC Heritage and missed the cut at the Zurich Classic, but with a relatively weak field, Zalatoris was one of the few stars playing.

Zalatoris was forced to pull out of the TPC Craig Ranch event due to a flare-up with his back. He was replaced by Nick Watney in the field.

Will Zalatoris WD from THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson and is replaced by Nick Watney. — PGA TOUR Communications (@PGATOURComms) April 30, 2024

The former Wake Forest Demon Deacon had surgery on his back last year and missed the remainder of the season. Zalatoris returned to the PGA Tour at the Hero World Challenge in December.

Hopefully, this is not a serious setback for the 27-year-old.

As for Im, he withdrew less than 30 minutes before his tee time on Thursday because of a sickness.

Sungjae Im WD from THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson and replaced by S.Y. Noh — PGA TOUR Communications (@PGATOURComms) May 2, 2024

The Korean golfer defended his title at the KPGA Woori Financial Group Championship last week, marking his third victory in four starts on that circuit.

Im came into this week with 25-1 odds to win the CJ Cup Byron Nelson , just behind Zalatoris. He has made 12 starts on the PGA Tour this year and is coming off a T12 finish at the RBC Heritage. It was his best placing since The Sentry when he finished T5.

The 26-year-old is one of the favorites to compete in the Olympics this summer for Korea. Right now, Im and Tom Kim possess the two spots to make the Korean Olympic Golf Team . However, he and Byeong Hun An have flip-flopped in the Olympic Golf rankings over the last few weeks.

Losing Zalatoris and Im diminishes the CJ CUP Byron Nelson field. Spieth was the only Top 20 player in the world participating this wee.

Meanwhile, World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler opted out because his wife Meredith is due any day now with their first child.

Savannah Leigh Richardson is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. For more golf coverage, be sure to follow us @_PlayingThrough on all major social platforms. You can also follow her on Twitter @SportsGirlSL and Instagram @savannah_leigh_sports.

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Pga tour iron man and cj ambassador sungjae im withdraws from cj cup byron nelson, share this article.

McKINNNEY, Texas — Sungjae Im withdrew from the CJ Cup Byron Nelson on Thursday morning, citing illness, according to a PGA Tour media official.

Im, 26, pulled out of the event less than 30 minutes before his scheduled tee time. He is an ambassador of CJ, the South Korean conglomerate which is in the first year of a 10-year deal as the title sponsor of the Tour’s longtime Dallas stop.

Im won the KPGA Tour’s Woori Financial Group Championship on Sunday and had several off-course duties for the title sponsor in the lead up to the tournament. He has regularly been one of the leaders in Tour starts in recent years, making 12 starts already this season and 31 last year. (On two occasions, he’s made 35 starts in a season.) Im ranks 37th in the world and is currently in line to be one of two representatives for South Korea in the Olympics.

CJ CUP : Photos | Thursday tee times, TV | Yardage book

Im was replaced by Seung-yul Noh in a featured group with Jason Day and Jordan Spieth. Last year, Noh posted an 11-under 60 in the first round here at TPC Craig Ranch.

Veteran Sean O’Hair also withdrew before the round and was replaced by Scott Piercy.

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PGA Tour goes to Dallas for same course and new title. LIV Golf plays in Singapore

Shane Lowry, of Ireland, hits out of the sand on the 15th fairway during the final round of the PGA Zurich Classic golf tournament at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, La., Sunday, April 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

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THE CJ CUP BYRON NELSON

Site: McKinney, Texas.

Course: TPC Craig Ranch. Yardage: 7,414. Par: 71.

Prize money: $9.5 million. Winner’s share: $1,710,000.

Television: Thursday-Friday, 4-7 p.m. (Golf Channel); Saturday-Sunday, 1-3 p.m. (Golf Channel), 3-6 p.m. (CBS).

Defending champion: Jason Day.

FedEx Cup leader: Scottie Scheffler.

Last week: Shane Lowry and Rory McIlroy won the Zurich Classic of New Orleans.

Notes: Jordan Spieth, Will Zalatoris and Tom Kim lead the contingent of Dallas-area residents playing the tournament. ... CJ Cup takes over as title sponsor after AT&T ended its sponsorship after nine years. CJ Cup started out with a tournament in South Korea, then moved to Las Vegas and South Carolina during the COVID-19 pandemic. ... The field features only 10 of the top 50 in the world ranking. Spieth is the highest-ranked player in the field at No. 20. ... Scottie Scheffler is missing the tournament as his wife is expecting their first child. ... Adam Scott is playing the tournament for the third straight year. He won the Byron Nelson in 2008. ... This is the final week to finish among the top 70 in the PGA Championship points list to assure a spot at Valhalla in two weeks. The points list is PGA Tour earnings the last 12 months. ... Spieth now has gone 43 starts over two years on the PGA Tour since his last victory.

Next week: Wells Fargo Championship.

Online: https://www.pgatour.com/

LIV GOLF LEAGUE

LIV GOLF SINGAPORE

Site: Singapore.

Course: Sentosa GC (Serapong). Yardage: 7,406. Par: 71.

Prize money: $20 million. Winner’s share: $4 million.

Television: Thursday-Saturday, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. (CW app); Saturday-Sunday, 1-6 p.m. (The CW Network-Tape Delay).

Defending champion: Talor Gooch.

Points leader: Joaquin Niemann.

Last week: Brendan Steele won LIV Golf Adelaide.

Notes: Brendan Steele last week became the third straight first-time winner on LIV Golf, matching the longest such streak since the league launched in June 2022. ... Jon Rahm has yet to win since joining LIV this year, but he is the only player in 2024 to have finished in the top 10 in all six events. ... Ian Poulter and Hudson Swafford were the only players who did not have a round under par last week in Australia. ... Poulter in 2009 and Sergio Garcia in 2018 won the Singapore Open when it was played at Sentosa. ... With the PGA Championship approaching, LIV has three players in the top 100 who are not already eligible — Adrian Meronk, Lucas Herbert and Patrick Reed. ... LIV already has 10 players in the PGA Championship field at Valhalla. ... After back-to-back weeks in Australia and Asia, LIV Golf is off for a month until a week before the U.S. Open.

Next tournament: LIV Golf Houston on June 7-9.

Online: https://www.livgolf.com/

EUROPEAN TOUR

VOLVO CHINA OPEN

Site: Shenzhen, China.

Course: Hidden Grace GC. Yards: 7,147. Par: 72.

Prize money: $2.25 million. Winner’s share: $375,000.

Television: Thursday-Friday, 12-5 a.m. (Golf Channel); Saturday, 12-4:30 a.m. (Golf Channel); Saturday, 11:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. (Golf Channel).

Previous winner: Sarit Suwannarut.

Race to Dubai leader: Rory McIlroy.

Last week: Yuto Katsuragawa won the ISPS Handa Championship.

Notes: The China Open returns to the European tour schedule for the first time since 2019 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The tournament was held last year co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the China Tour. ... This is the final event that counts toward the Asian Swing on the European. The top three players get exemptions into the PGA Championship next month at Valhalla. Sebastian Soderberg, Keita Nakajima and Jesper Svensson are currently holding down the top three spots. ... Thriston Lawrence leads the European tour this season with five finishes in the top 10. ... Katsuragawa is the fourth player from Japan in the last seven months to win on the European tour. The others were Ryo Hisatsune, Rikuya Hoshino and Nakajima. ... The tour is off until the PGA Championship on May 16-19. After that begins a stretch in which 17 consecutive events (outside the majors) are staged in European countries.

Next tournament: PGA Championship on May 16-19.

Online: https://www.europeantour.com/dpworld-tour/

PGA TOUR CHAMPIONS

INSPERITY INVITATIONAL

Site: The Woodlands, Texas.

Course: The Woodlands CC (Tournament). Yards: 7,002. Par: 72.

Prize money: $2.7 million. Winner’s share: $405,000.

Television: Friday, 12:30-3:30 p.m. (Golf Channel); Saturday-Sunday, 3-6 p.m. (Golf Channel).

Defending champion: Steven Alker.

Charles Schwab Cup leader: Stephen Ames.

Last week: Stephen Ames won the Mitsubishi Electric Classic.

Notes: Bernhard Langer returns to competition after injuring his Achilles tendon while playing pickleball on Feb. 1. The injury caused him to miss the Masters. ... Langer has won every year since first becoming eligible for the PGA Tour Champions in 2007. He is a four-time winner of the Insperity Invitational. ... Stephen Ames took over the Charles Schwab Cup lead over Steven Alker by winning at the TPC Sugarloaf last week. It was his second win this season. ... Alker is the two-time defending champion at The Woodlands. ... Ames is the only multiple winner on the PGA Tour Champions in 2024. ... The field includes Steve Stricker, who missed the cut last week in New Orleans on the PGA Tour. ... Paul Broadhurst of England has won and finished runner-up in his last two starts. ... This is the last regular event before the first of five majors on the PGA Tour Champions schedule.

Next week: Regions Tradition.

Online: https://www.pgatour.com/pgatour-champions

Last week: Hannah Green won the JM Eagle LA Championship.

Next week: Cognizant Founders Cup.

Race to CME Globe leader: Nelly Korda.

Online: https://www.lpga.com/

KORN FERRY TOUR

Last week: Tim Widing won the Veritex Bank Championship.

Next tournament: AdventHealth Championship on May 16-19.

Points leader: Tim Widing.

Online: https://www.pgatour.com/korn-ferry-tour

OTHER TOURS

Epson Tour: Casino Del Sol Golf Classic, Sewailo GC, Tucson, Ariz. Defending champion: Gigi Stoll. Online: https://www.epsontour.com/

PGA of America: PGA Professional Championship, Fields Ranch at PGA (East and West), Frisco, Texas. Defending champion: Braden Shattuck. Television: Tuesday, 5-8 p.m. (Golf Channel); Wednesday, 4-7 p.m. (Golf Channel). Online: https://www.pga.com/

Japan Golf Tour: The Crowns, Nagoya GC (Wago), Aichi, Japan. Defending champion: Hiroshi Iwata. Online: https://www.jgto.org/en/

Asian Tour: GS Caltex Maekyung Open, Namseoul CC, Seongnam, South Korea. Defending champion: Chanmin Jung. Online: https://asiantour.com/

Legends Tour: Barbados Leges, Apes Hills Barbados, Saint James, Barbados. Defending champion: New tournament. Online: https://www.legendstour.com/

Japan LPGA: World Ladies Championship Salonpas Cup, Ibaraki GC (East), Ibaraki, Japan. Defending champion: Yuri Yoshida. Online: https://www.lpga.or.jp/en/

Korea LPGA: Kyochon 1991 Ladies Open, Sunsan CC, Gumi South Korea. Defending champion: Bokyeom Park. Online: https://klpga.co.kr/

AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf

Matt Wallace fires 63 at PGA Tour's CJ Cup Byron Nelson

• Associated Press

McKINNEY, Texas -- Matt Wallace was relegated to watching the Masters amid a self-described "terrible" season when he found himself pondering what makes some of the best golfers in the world so good.

Asked if Scottie Scheffler was among the players he was watching, Wallace stumbled over his words just a bit.

"Well, him, but, I mean, so good that it's difficult to take a lot from him because he's playing unbelievable golf," Wallace said. "It's not as realistic for everyone else out there."

Well, maybe Wallace can take advantage of the world No. 1 sitting out his hometown tournament awaiting the birth of his first child.

The one-time PGA Tour winner shot an 8-under 63 for a one-shot lead over seven players in the first round of the CJ Cup Byron Nelson on Thursday.

Taiga Semikawa , a 23-year-old from Japan playing on a sponsor exemption, settled for 64 after a three-putt par on the par-5 18th just before a rain-delayed round with preferred lies was suspended by darkness with nine players on the course.

Taylor Pendrith , Alex Noren , Chesson Hadley , Jake Knapp , Davis Riley and Kelly Kraft also were at 7 under at TPC Craig Ranch, just north of Scheffler's hometown of Dallas.

Defending champion Jason Day was in a large group trailing by three after he and Jordan Spieth , the biggest local favorite with Scheffler absent, struggled down the stretch playing in the same threesome. Spieth was 3 under.

Brad Hopfinger , a 35-year-old making his PGA Tour debut, was two shots behind Wallace along with Ben Kohles , Alex Smalley and Hayden Buckley .

Wallace, who has missed the cut five times and doesn't have a top-10 finish in 11 tournaments this year, birdied five of the first six holes and capped his bogey-free, career-low round with a tap-in birdie on the 18th.

The 34-year-old Englishman has found himself taking mental notes about the likes of young Swede Ludvig Åberg , who played at Texas Tech but is among 27 of the top 30 players skipping the Nelson with a $20 million signature event, the Wells Fargo Championship, and the PGA Championship coming the next two weeks.

"What I'm seeing from a lot of them, especially the younger guys, younger than me -- I'm not too old, but younger than me -- they're so focused in their shot and not worrying about the outcome or what's out there," said Wallace, who won in the Dominican Republic a little more than a year ago.

Day and Spieth both stumbled with bogeys on the par-5 fifth hole, their 14th of the day. Day had two birdies and a bogey over the final four holes, including the par-5 ninth. Spieth could only par the finishing hole and was 1 over on the par 5s.

"It's a very gettable golf course," Spieth said. "I just played the easy holes poorly. That was kind of the story of the day."

Spieth is still seeking his first victory in his 12th appearance at an event in which he debuted by contending as a 16-year-old amateur in 2010. Day got his first PGA Tour win when Spieth was making those headlines, then ended a five-year victory drought last year.

The 30-year-old Spieth missed last year's Nelson because of a wrist injury. He was the runner-up in 2022.

Rain delayed the start by an hour and remains in the forecast through the weekend. If the rain stays away, players could have minimal wind on a soft course that has surrendered among the most birdies on tour in its four years as the home of the Nelson.

"I'm not out of it, but certainly you want to stay within two or three of the lead as you get through the first couple rounds," Spieth said. "Doesn't look like we're going to get a ton of wind or anything, so I am going to have to really make it up, because there will be a lot of guys shooting low scores."

Raul Pereda aced the 236-yard seventh hole and shot 68, as did Kris Kim in the tour debut of the 16-year-old from England whose South Korean-born mom played on the LPGA Tour in the 1990s.

Playing on a sponsor exemption in the first year of the Nelson carrying the name of the South Korean company CJ Group, Kim chipped in for eagle at No. 9 to finish an up-and-down round that included five birdies and four bogeys.

"First couple holes the nerves were definitely there, but as we got on, it was just playing golf," said Kim, who went undefeated in the Junior Ryder Cup last year and is the first amateur sponsored by CJ Group.