Byeong Hun An’s Mental Reset Sparks Major Turnaround at Valspar Championship
Seoul, Korea — South Korea's Byeong Hun An, shifting gears in his mental game, vaulted into a prime position at the Valspar Championship, carding a 4-under 67 in Friday's round. Now tied for second, An's revamped approach might just pave his way to a coveted first PGA TOUR victory.
At 33, An's resilience shone through as he navigated the Copperhead Course with precision, logging five birdies against a solitary bogey. His total of 5-under places him alongside Japan's Ryo Hisatsune and Viktor Hovland, the reigning FedExCup champion, both of whom have shown formidable form. Jacob Bridgeman, hailing from the U.S., currently leads the pack by a single stroke following his round of 69.
The tournament, boasting a purse of $8.7 million, has also seen impressive performances from other Asian contenders. Kevin Yu of Chinese Taipei and South Korea’s three-time PGA TOUR winner Tom Kim both finished the day comfortably in the top 15, showcasing the strength and depth of the Asian brigade on tour.
An’s journey to the leaderboard hasn't been without its challenges. After a commendable debut in the TOUR Championship and clinching his second DP World Tour title last year, 2025 had a rocky start for him. It took seven tournaments before he posted a top-10 finish at the Arnold Palmer Invitational earlier in March, with a less stellar T52 at THE PLAYERS Championship last weekend.
Reflecting on his recent performances, An shared, “I’m quite happy with how I’m hitting it. The short game feels sharp, and the putting has been solid over the last few weeks. I’m not sinking everything, but my display on the greens has been consistent, which I hope to maintain.”
An also revealed a shift from being overly results-focused to honing his range practice into effective course play. This adjustment seems to be paying dividends, as evidenced by his top-20 rankings in Strokes Gained: Off the Tee and Approach the Green.
With a win at the Korn Ferry Tour in 2022 not far from this venue, An is optimistic about his chances, buoyed by familiar Floridian vibes and a newfound confidence stemming from his past achievements and current form.
Hisatsune, 22, is another story of emerging talent, having climbed the leaderboard with a stellar 66 marked by seven birdies. The young Japanese star’s knack for converting long putts adds an exciting layer to his pursuit of a first TOUR victory.
As the tournament progresses, An’s strategic shift and renewed focus could very well see him break through to claim that elusive PGA TOUR win, fulfilling his ambition of returning to the TOUR Championship with a victory under his belt.