SOUTH KOREAN KIM LEADS AT PANAMA CITY

FROM THE WEB.COM TOUR WEBSITE

By Joe Chemycz, Web.com Tour staff
PANAMA CITY, Panama – South Korea’s Dae-Hyun Kim fired a 2-under 68 early Friday and grabbed a two-shot lead at the midway point of the Panama Claro Championship, the first tournament on the 2013 Web.com Tour schedule. Eight players are jammed together at 4-under 136, including 2008 champion Scott Dunlap (66) along with first-round co-leader Mark Anderson (72) and Australia’s Aron Price (66).
A total of 64 players made the 36-hole cut, which came at 2-over 142 and marked the ninth time in the 10-year history of the tournament that the cut was over par.
Kim is making his first career start on Tour but is no stranger to tournament golf. The 24-year old was a regular on the Korean Tour from 2009-12 and one of the leading money winners on that circuit. His only appearance on the PGA TOUR came in 2011 when he qualified for the U.S. Open at Congressional CC but missed the cut after posting scores of 79-74.
“One of my goals is to get to the PGA TOUR,” said Kim through an interpreter. “I also want to gain some experience playing more golf courses in the United States. I haven’t played many times in the U.S.”
Kim’s American resume consists of the Open, Q-school in California last winter and one junior tournament in Texas a while back. He has, however, traveled to San Diego four times over the past few winters to practice.
“There are many people from South Korea in the area so the change in culture doesn’t bother me too much.”
Kim hasn’t been bothered by much in taking over the leaderboard. His short game has been the focus of his offseason work and he is fearless off the tee.
“Ever since I was younger I’ve been good off the tee,” he said. “I am more comfortable with it and have much more confidence with my driver. My accuracy is better with my driver than with many of my other clubs.”
Foley, making his first stop in Panama, says you have to be smart this week.
“You can’t really overpower this course,” he said. “Step one is putting it in play. There’s a lot out there that could sneak up on you pretty fast if you lose track by being too aggressive. Smart, strategic golf will pay dividends.”

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