"Winning the green jacket is one of my dreams" - Im Sung-Jae hopes to become first Korean golfer to win Masters

The 25-year-old South Korean golfer Im Sung-Jae is set to participate in the 2023 Augusta Masters. He is ready to unleash a full-fledged battle for the prestigious green jacket.

Winning The Masters will not only ensure his annual invitation to the Augusta National Golf Club but will also make him the first Korean player to do so. As per malaymail.com, he said,

"Winning the green jacket is one of my dreams. I wish to get myself fitted into one someday. We've not had a Korean player win that title but if one of us do so, it will be very special for me. It will definitely be a good motivation. That win will make us realise that we also can win. I will try my best."

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Im Sung-Jae is set for the 2023 Augusta Masters

The highest-ranked Asian in OWGR, Sung-Jae hopes to pull out a 'Hideki Matsuyama' and inspire other Asians at the 87th edition of The Masters tournament.

Japanese professional golfer Hideki Matsuyama won the 2021 Masters tournament and became the first-ever Japanese player to do so. Taking inspiration from Hideki, Im Sung-Jae feels he is ready for the prestigious event and will try his best to don the green jacket. He said,

"I have finished great with a T2 and T8... I have good and happy memories. I'm really looking forward to it. As a kid, I have watched this tournament on TV and getting myself into this event makes it extra special. I wish to enjoy another great finish."

Im Sung-Jae at the 2021 Masters - Round Two

Later on, Im Sung-Jae spoke about his previous experience at The Masters competition and how he draws inspiration from his previous experiences. He said,

"I was just one back (in 2020) which made me think at that point 'I could really win.' Unfortunately, I finished runner-up. With that performance, I think I’m certainly competitive enough to win major tournaments in the near future."

Speaking about the greens at the Augusta National Golf Club, Im Sung-Jae said,

"I have always come to Masters in this routine. The greens at Augusta is fast and the atmosphere is quite different from other tournaments. But since I have three years of experience here, I wish to make something out of it."

Im Sung-Jae spoke about the alterations made at the par-5 13th hole, whose tee box has been moved back 35 yards. He was quite intrigued after seeing the course lengthening to 545 yards. He said,

"I have used 3 wood and driver on that hole previously but now, I think I need to focus on driver. I don’t think I will need to over-think that tee shot. However, we know that Amen Corner, the 11th, 12th, 13th holes are crucial. If I can keep myself on track by making pars, I think I can keep my scores."

Sung-Jae at The 2023 Masters - Preview Day 1

2021 Masters Champion Hideki Matsuyama, Tom Kim, Si Woo Kim, K.H. Lee, Kazuki Higa, and other Asians will join Im Sung-Jae at the 2023 Augusta Masters.

The 2023 Masters will start on April 6 and will conclude on April 9. The pre-tournament discussion has already started on April 3.