Paju, Korea - Bong-Seok Kang and Sang-Woon Ahn emerged victorious on Thursday at the 53rd Korean Senior Amateur Golf Championship, securing the national titles in the Championship Division and Grand Senior Division, respectively, at Daegu Country Club in Gyeongsan, North Gyeongsang Province.
In the Championship Division for players aged 55 and older, the 55-year-old Kang carded a final-round four-under-par 68 over the Middle and East Courses (par-72, 6,849 yards) to finish at five-under 139 for the 36-hole event. Kang secured a two-stroke victory over first-round leader Hyun-Ho Jung (141), who had opened with an eight-under 64 before faltering in the final round.
The victory holds special significance for Kang, coming 15 years after his victory at the 17th Korea Mid-Amateur Championship in 2011. Notably, Kang achieved the feat in his very first appearance in a senior championship after turning 55 this year.
“I entered the final round without overthinking the win, especially with a competitor having shot eight-under on day one, and playing relaxed paid off,” said Kang. “Having won the Korea Mid-Amateur 15 years ago, returning to capture the National Senior Amateur on my debut feels deeply emotional. Seeing senior players in their late 60s and 70s still competing inspires me to stay healthy and continue playing in this event for decades to come.”
In the Grand Senior Division for players aged 65 and older, 68-year-old Sang-Woon Ahn claimed his maiden national title, backing up an opening 75 with an even-par 72 in the final round to finish at three-over 147.
Ahn, a well-known figure in Korean amateur golf who famously overcame cancer to remain competitive, expressed his gratitude following the win: “I’ve won 5 or 6 club championships over the years, but this is my first national title across the country, which brings me immense joy. As long as my physical health permits, I want to keep enjoying the game, surrounded by nature, while hoping for expanded opportunities for golfers in our age group.”
Organized by the Korea Golf Association (KGA), the Korean Senior Amateur Championship stands as one of the country’s eight official national title events, hosted for the 14th consecutive year by Daegu Country Club.