Gone but not forgotten, this year we will be keeping a close eye on last season’s graduating class, and first up under the europeantour.com microscope is Byeong-hun An, fresh off a career-best tie for fifth at the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters.
Great things have long been expected of the youngest ever US Amateur Champion since his emphatic victory at Southern Hills Country Club at the tender age of 17, and after three years plying his professional trade on the Challenge Tour, the Korean is seemingly ready for life in The Race to Dubai.
It might have taken him a little longer than many expected to progress through European golf’s second tier, but An looked every bit the burgeoning talent on the final day at Doha Golf Club, having at one point shared the lead on the back nine thanks, in part, to an eagle at the tenth.
His seven under par round of 65 to close would eventually see him finish in the top five, some four strokes adrift of tournament winner Branden Grace, but there was plenty to be positive about for the 22 year old as he continues to find his feet on the big stage.
“That was a great way to finish,” said An, who claimed third place on the Challenge Tour Rankings in 2014. “I didn’t play my best, although if I had made every putt I would have won, but I still played pretty well and I’m happy with that. I didn’t have many chances on the final day, and I made some good par saves as well as a couple of birdie putts, but 65 – I’ll definitely take it.
“My goal was to make the top ten, and I did that. I’m happy with it, so we will see what happens. This is a good start as I only missed out on the top ten by one shot in Abu Dhabi, too, so I’ve been able to keep the momentum going.”
His play in Qatar was the latest in an impressive run of results that has seen him share 12th position in Abu Dhabi, as well as finish in a tie for 22nd last December at the Alfred Dunhill Championship.
That all adds up to 20th place currently on The Race to Dubai for An, who is just happy to finally be plying his trade on the top tier of European golf after a three year apprenticeship on the Challenge Tour, an experience that he holds in very high regard.
“Having that momentum from the Challenge Tour has helped,” said the 2014 Rolex Trophy winner. “I played really well last year and that gave me a lot of confidence, especially playing so well at The Open. I knew I could play well out here if I played my game, and I’ll have bad days, but if I can play my game I know I can do it.
“I was never frustrated on the Challenge Tour, I was just happy I progressed every year, and finished in better positions (on the Rankings). That was what I was looking for, as I wasn’t looking to make it onto The European Tour in my first year.
“I just slowed it down and played my game. I was in no rush, although it would have been nice to graduate earlier. I just need to keep stepping up my game, that’s the goal.
“I want to keep my card at the end of this season. Past that, I’d like to qualify for the DP World Tour Championship, but the ultimate would be to win, obviously.
“The Challenge Tour grounded me, and helped with things like course management – playing at different places every week – and that has helped. The last three years have definitely developed my game and got me prepared for the big Tour.”
All looks well then for this Korean, as he heads the class of 2014 on The Race to Dubai ahead of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, one spot ahead of last year’s Challenge Tour Number One Andrew Johnston. Alongside them, currently holding a place in the top 110 places that would earn a card for next season, are Frenchman Benjamin Hebert in 50th spot, compatriot Mike Lorenzo-Vera at 64th and Spaniard Jordi Garcia Pinto at 108th.
As for An, he will hope to continue his exemplary play throughout the rest of the season, with his fine form not only yielding impressive results so far, but the odd ace to boot.
“I was playing well all day,” said the 22 year old, who carded his first professional hole in one at the 147 yard par three 15th hole, during the third round of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship.
“They had put the tee up, which made it a little easier, and I hit a perfect shot. I hit it right where I was aiming, got it up in the air, and I didn’t see it go in but there was a guy by the green clapping. I thought from that it must be close, but when I walked up I didn’t see any ball, and it was in the hole.
“I’ve come close a couple of times, but I have never done it before, so it is special to do it on The European Tour. It would have been nice to have won a car, but one is one.”
