The Korea Herald

지나쌤

Korea’s Noh targets PGA rookie award

By Korea Herald

Published : Jan. 10, 2012 - 18:15

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South Korean rising star Noh Seung-yul has set his sights on winning a tournament in his first season on the U.S. PGA Tour and capturing Rookie of the Year honors.

The 20-year-old, one of golf’s brightest young prospects, makes his bow in Hawaii this week and hopes to make an instant impact on the tour.

“I’m starting my dream,” Noh, coached by swing guru Butch Harmon, told the Asian Tour. “I will build on a new chapter in my career.

“I’ll try for a win, also the Rookie of the Year award. I would also like to qualify for the FedEx Cup playoffs which will be my objective this year.”

Noh burst onto the Asian Tour as a 16-year-old, capturing his first title in China during his first season and was voted Rookie of the Year.

A one-stroke victory at the Malaysia Open in 2010 helped Noh become the youngest winner of the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit.

“I can’t wait for my first tournament,” said Noh, who comfortably earned his tour card at qualifying school at the end of last year.

“I feel pumped. I’ve got used to my new swing and feel comfortable with my shots,” added Noh, who joins fellow Koreans Choi Kyung-ju and major winner Yang Yong-eun.

“Now my shots are more consistent and my confidence levels have been boosted.” (Reuters)

Tiger to open play at Pebble Beach

Tiger Woods is returning to the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am for the first time in 10 years.

Woods announced on his website Monday he will start his PGA Tour season Feb. 9-12 at Pebble Beach, which he said “might be the prettiest place on earth.”

It has not been pretty enough to get him back to the Monterey Peninsula, except for the 2010 U.S. Open where he tied for fourth. Woods stopped playing because of greens that were exceptionally bumpy from a 180-man field.

He also was worn out by the long rounds and having Poppy Hills as part of the rotation.

Now, the field is 156 players, and the Shore Course at Monterey Peninsula Country Club is in the rotation, and has been very well received. The greater incentive for Woods to play, however, was AT&T as the title sponsor. (AP)