Im Sung-jae ready to master links test at Genesis Scottish Open

Im Sung-jae plays his shot from the fifth tee during the second round of the Rocket Mortgage Classic at Detroit Golf Club in Detroit, Michigan on June 30. [AFP/YONHAP]

Im Sung-jae is prepared to bide his time to truly master the art of tackling links-styled golf courses as he prepares for the Genesis Scottish Open which starts on Thursday.

The two-time PGA Tourwinner is amongst the big names gathered at the Renaissance Golf Club in North Berwick this week, which includes eight of the world’s top-10 golfers led by top-ranked Scottie Scheffler, reigning FedExCup winner Rory McIlroy and defending champion Xander Schauffele.

“I'm playing in Genesis Scottish Open for the second time and I'm hoping my experience from last year will help me a lot. Links courses are very different from those in the U.S., and there is a lot of difference between a windy day and calm day. The fairways and greens are firmer too which needs a lot of getting used to,” said Im.

In his Scottish debut last year, Im missed the halfway cut following rounds of 75 and 72. His other experiences on links courses were two appearances at The Open Championship, which he missed the cut in 2019 while he finished T81 at St Andrews last year.

He feels his game is far more suited to American-styled golf courses which requires precision play but Im knows fully well that to be a truly world-class player, he needs to master links golf as well. “On American courses, you often play with carry distances. You need to carry the right distances to the pin but here in Scotland, I often have to hit it short because of the wind direction. If it is downwind, I may have to hit it short and let the ball roll up to the green, so these things are very different from playing in the U.S.,” said Im, who is currently ranked 35th on the FedExCup points list following seven top-10s this season.

“Personally, I think American courses suit me better. In Europe, I only play about once or twice a year. If the wind is strong, you have to choose your clubs differently too ... that part makes it more difficult than the U.S. Also, if there is a lot of wind, you have to play a low ball flight which I am not good with that kind of shot. My iron shots are usually high,” he said.

Im will have countrymen Tom Kim, also known as Kim Joo-hyung, An Byeong-hun, Lee Kyoung-hoon and Kim Seong-hyeon for company at the Renaissance this week while three KPGA players, Kim Bio, Kim Yeong-su and Seo Yo-seop will have an opportunity to go toe-to-toe against the stars of the game in the $9 million showpiece which is co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour and PGA Tour.

“When I was playing on the Japan Tour and Korn Ferry Tour, I played with some of the KPGA players and they are all my seniors and are close to me. It's nice to see them here and it's fun to play with them. I hope all the KPGA players have good results this week,” said Im.

Im is itching to return to the winner’s circle as his last victory on the PGA Tour was back in October, 2021. He knows he must remain patient in his hopes getting his hands on another piece of silverware.

“My goal for every tournament is to make the cut, and after making the cut, it would be nice to finish in the top 10 or top five. Of course, it would be nice to win, but if I can finish in the top 10 or top 5, I think that will be enough before The Open,” he said.

BY CHUAH CHOO CHIANG [kjdsports@joongang.co.kr]