An Byeong-hun hopes for success at the Phoenix Open

An Byeong-hun reacts to a putt on the 16th hole during The American Express Tournament at Nicklaus Tournament Course in La Quinta, California on Jan. 22. [USA TODAY/YONHAP]

Korean golfer An Byeong-hun is hoping for success at the PGA Tour's Waste Management Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona this weekend.

An, who joined the PGA Tour in 2016, is yet to win a tournament. Despite making the playoff twice, at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans in 2016 and the Memorial Tournament in 2018, he has never managed to take home a PGA trophy.

The Phoenix Open is one event where An has consistently performed well, with two top-10 and two top-25 finishes over the past four years. In 2017, An nearly won the tournament, leading into the final day before tumbling down the standing to finish tied for sixth.

This year An has high hopes for the Phoenix Open, although things will be a bit different. The tournament, known for its rowdy atmosphere and loud crowds, will this time host a gallery limited to fewer than 5,000 spectators each day.

“I played well the first year when I came here, and so far it's been a good golf course to me," An said. "You just hit it far out there and the greens roll nicely. The conditions are always pure. This grass is just in perfect condition, firm greens and pretty fast greens. That's why I think I've scored pretty good here. Just suits my eye, I guess."

Korean golfer Kim Si-woo will also take to the course in Scottsdale, hot off his victory at The American Express Tournament at the end of January, where An also finished within the top 10.

Im Sung-jae will be looking to continue his momentum, having finished just outside the top 10 at The American Express, tied for fifth at the Sentry Tournament of Champions in January and tied for second at the Masters Tournament in November last year. Kang Sung-hoon and Lee Kyoung-Hoon complete the roster of Korean golfers competing.

BY JIM BULLEY [jim.bulley@joongang.co.kr]