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2006 flashback - Suk lifts maiden title
 Played
one, won one, a two-year exemption and US$125,000 in the bag.
That, in a nutshell, was the story of Suk Jong-yul’s week at
the US$600,000 GS Caltex Maekyung Open.
The 38-year-old Suk earned his Asian Tour card at Qualifying School
in January 2006 but did not get the opportunity to tee it up until
the circuit came round to Lakeside Country Club in his native Korea.
Patience, and the invaluable ability to seize an opening when it
presents itself, proved profitable for the long-maned lionheart.
Suk started the final round two shots off the lead but by the time
he teed up on the 18th he was level with Bryan Saltus who had set
the clubhouse mark of 16-under-par. A birdie would be good enough
for victory, and much to the delight of the home fans, Suk produced
the goods.
After splitting the fairway with his drive, the Korean hit one of
his best shots of the week, nailing a wedge to three feet for an
easy winning putt. His closing 67 saw him finish with a four-day
total of 17-under-par 271 and a one stroke victory over Saltus.
"I was very nervous as there is always high expectations from
the home fans," said Suk.
“Playing in the Qualifying School taught me a lot and it also
helped give me confidence as it was a tough test. It's really nice
to win here (in Korea) as all my family and friends were out on
the course supporting me all week.”
Saltus registered his best finish on the Asian Tour thanks to a
back nine charge. He romped home in 32 with the highlight being
a chip-in birdie on the 11th hole. It was a welcome return to form
for the colourful American who had been hampered by a wrist injury
earlier in the season.
"It's a nice feeling. I can't imagine what I'm going to buy
myself with the money that I've won," said the 35-year-old
Saltus, who earned his career best cheque of US$78,125. There was
a lot of magic everyday and my chipping was simply awesome all week.
I chipped in for birdie on 11 today and on Friday, I made a chip
in eagle on 18."
Overnight leader Lee Sung of Korea faded down the stretch for a
closing 72 to share third place with India's Amandeep Johl and local
amateur Noh Seung-yul, who carded matching 66s.
The trio finished three shots behind the winner. It was a disappointing
finish for Lee, who was born deaf, as he had led from the opening
round. "No problem," said Lee's father, Kang-kun. "It
is still a good week. Hopefully, the first win will come for him
soon."
Leading final round scores
271 - Suk Jong-yul (KOR) 67-69-68-67
272 - Bryan Saltus (USA) 69-68-68-67
274 - Noh Seung-yul [A] (KOR) 69-69-70-66, Amandeep Johl (IND) 69-69-70-66,
Lee Sung (KOR) 67-66-69-72
275 - Kim Dae-sub (KOR) 68-70-68-69
276 - Scott Hend (AUS) 70-72-67-67, Park Boo-won (KOR) 70-71-68-67
277 - Scott Barr (AUS) 68-73-71-65, Shin Yong-jin (KOR) 70-68-71-68,
Charlie Wi (KOR) 69-70-70-68
278 - Iain Steel (MAS) 70-70-68-70
279 - Jarrod Lyle (AUS) 71-72-64-72
280 - Mo Joong-kyung (KOR) 72-72-69-67, Choi Jin-ho (KOR) 71-70-71-68,
Kim Chang-yoon (KOR) 71-70-71-68, Park Sang-eon (KOR) 75-68-68-69,
J B Holmes (USA) 71-71-63-75, Chung Joon (KOR) 69-70-69-72
281 - Kang Ji-man (KOR) 75-67-71-68, Kim Sang-ki (KOR) 70-65-72-74,
282 - Chung Jae-hoon (KOR) 71-73-69-69, Kang Wook-soon (KOR) 73-69-70-70,
Lee Seong-ho (KOR) 68-68-73-73
April 30, 2007
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