Hongtaek Kim defends his GS Caltex Maekyung Open title this week in Korea; high on confidence but still in search of a first win since last year’s brilliant victory.

He beat Thailand’s Chonlatit Chuenboonngam at the first extra hole 12 months ago, slotting a knee-trembling four-footer for par in driving rain – on the 18th here at Namseoul Country Club.

It was his first victory on the Asian Tour, plus second on the Korean PGA Tour, and marked a significant crossover triumph. Nicknamed ‘King of the Screen’, in a glittering career on the indoor golfing scene, Kim boasted no fewer than 12 wins.

In so doing, he’d become a poster boy for the GTour – a professional screen golf league in Korea that has been credited with setting the standard for competitive virtual golf.  In a country that leads the world in indoor golf with more than 70 million rounds reported to be played annually on simulators, Kim is a shining star.

Hongtaek Kim celebrates after winning the 43rd GS Caltex Maekyung Open. Picture courtesy of Korean Golf Association.

His fame – and golfing credibility – further sky-rocketed at the start of May last year when he defied the sceptics by winning the GS Caltex Maekyung Open.

Not only did his victory conclusively prove that those who are predominantly indoor golfers can also perform with distinction outdoors, but also that they’re far from being fair-weather golfers.

One year on and it’s not surprising that he has picked up two more GTour titles, including a mixed event, taking his tally to 14. However, despite four top-10 finishes on the Korean PGA Tour last year, he has not built on his 2024 Maekyung win. It’s not through a lack of belief though.

“Since the victory, I often felt that my performances have improved significantly,” said the Korean this week.

“I was able to approach each game with a more composed mindset, and my confidence has grown greatly. Although I have not secured another win since last year, I do not feel anxious or disappointed. My play has continued to improve with each tournament, and my trust in my shots has grown stronger.”

Playing the GTour while competing in regular tour events has also not been a distraction. He enjoys the continuity, and no doubt, the additional revenue.

Kim at an emotional winner’s press conference last year. Photo courtesy of Korean Golf Association.

He adds: “Playing continuously without breaks can be physically demanding. However, it also helps in maintaining a consistent level of performance throughout the season.”

When he won the Maekyung event last year he handled the pressure superbly, navigating his way around the venerable Namseoul layout in two-under-par 69 to force a play-off with Chonlatit.

He couldn’t resist a jibe at those who scoffed at his prospects. “There was a misunderstanding that I was only good at simulator golf. I solved the misunderstanding today,” he said the time.

“I think simulator golf has actually been very helpful. Competing in championships in simulator golf has helped relieve tension.”

Three shots behind pace-setting compatriot Junghwan Lee heading into the final round, Kim stormed through on the back nine with three birdies in a row from 13 and another on 17 to set the clubhouse target at 10-under 274.

Chonlatit, playing in the last group, held a one-shot lead with three holes to play but made an expensive bogey on the par-five 16th. He courageously holed par-saving putts on 17 and 18, both from about eight feet, signing for a 71 to match Kim’s total and extend the 43rd staging of the event into overtime.

Richard T. Lee finished alone in third place, two shots shy of the play-off. Having won the Woori Bank Finance Championship on the Korean PGA Tour last weekend the in-form Canadian enters the week as one of the favourites and a real threat to Kim’s hopes of simulating last year’s success.

Main picture: Hongtaek Kim, centre right, pictured with some of the stars competing this week. Picture courtesy of Korean Golf Association.