Asian Tour event in Korea reaches thrilling end, but penalty row overshadows result
Song Min-hyuk claims maiden title, but Hur In-hoi’s fury over 2-shot penalty takes shine off play-off drama at Maekyung Open
A thrilling end to the GS Caltex Maekyung Open in Korea on Sunday was overshadowed by a messy incident involving title chasing Hur In-hoi.
The Korean carded a seven-under-par 64 in the final round at Namseoul Country Club, and ended the day in a three-way tie on 11 under overall, alongside compatriots Song Min-hyuk and Cho Ming-yu.
However, while signing autographs before his expected play-off, Hur was told he had been penalised two shots for playing the wrong ball during his third round, and was demoted to third in a group with Ian Snyman and first-round leader Lee Tae-hee.
A furious Hur remonstrated with officials, although sources close to the Korean Golf Association (KGA) and the Asian Tour, who co-sanctioned the event, suggested the 38-year-old should consider himself lucky not to have been disqualified.
Song went on to win the battle for the title by parring the first extra hole, completing a miserable day for playing partner Cho, who was two shots clear heading down the 72nd hole, but missed a three-foot putt for bogey in a final round of 70.
“I thought I might cry after my first win, but in the moment, I just felt overwhelming joy and couldn’t stop smiling,” the 22-year-old said of his first professional triumph. “Up until last year, my father caddied for me, but this year I’m working with a professional caddie.