Park Sang-hyun, 43, a 14-time Korea Professional Golf Association (KPGA) Tour winner, is on track to become the first player ever to surpass 6 billion won in career prize money on the tour.
Park took the sole lead after the third round of the KPGA Gyeongbuk Open (total prize money 700 million won) held Sunday at Golfzon County Seonsan (par 71) in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province. He carded a 6-under 65 with seven birdies and one bogey, bringing his three-round total to 11-under 202.
Park Jung-hoon, Oh Seung-taek and Moon Do-yeop tied for second at 10-under 203.
After leading alone on the opening day and stumbling with a 2-over in the second round, Park Sang-hyun reclaimed the top spot, boosting his chances of a victory.
Since turning professional in 2005, Park has won 14 times on the KPGA Tour and amassed 5.904 billion won in prize money. A win at this event, which carries a 140 million won first-place check, would make him the first player in tour history to cross the 6 billion won mark in career earnings.
Park made his first birdie on the 4th hole (par 4) and added consecutive birdies on the 6th hole (par 5) and the 7th hole (par 4).
"Overall, my tee shots landed on the fairway often, which gave me many birdie opportunities," Park said. "It's a shame I had a three-putt on the 8th hole, but it was a satisfying round."
He added, "Yesterday it was very hot and I didn't manage my condition well. I think today's good result came thanks to having adapted to the heat yesterday. My shot feel is generally good right now, so if I play based on my experience so far, I think I can also aim for the win. I'll keep pushing toward 6 billion won in career earnings and 20 career victories."
Defending champion Ok Tae-hoon shaved two strokes off his score Sunday to finish the third round at 3-under 210, tied for 34th.
