Jang Yu-bin dominated the Korea Professional Golfers' Association (KPGA) Tour in 2024. He swept the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, the prize money title, and the lowest stroke average award. Jang, who moved to LIV Golf last year, was unable to perform at his best amid a finger injury and other setbacks. Since returning to the KPGA Tour this year, he has yet to display his former presence.
Jang is gradually showing signs of revival. At Round 2 of the KPGA Classic with I'm Vita (total prize money of 700 million won), held Wednesday at the Northwest Course (par 72) of Cypress Golf & Resort in Seogwipo, Jeju.
Jang carded six birdies that day, adding 12 points for a two-day total of 27 points to stay in the top spot. The tournament uses the modified Stableford format. A par scores 0 points, a birdie 2 points, an eagle 5 points, and an albatross 8 points, while a bogey is –1 point and a double bogey or worse is all scored as –3 points. To win, players must adopt aggressive play rather than defensive.
Jang picked up three birdies each on the front and back nine. Reflecting after the round, Jang said, "Yesterday my good flow was concentrated in certain stretches, but today I think I played evenly well with overall stable play." He added, "There were no particular crises. Especially over yesterday and today, my putting feel was good, so I was able to capitalize on good chances well." He continued, "Since I'm a style that makes a lot of birdies anyway, the modified Stableford format suits me well. In the remaining rounds, I plan to play aggressively when chances come."
Jang, who has three career wins on the KPGA Tour, last won at the Baeksong Holdings Asiad CC Busan Open in October 2024.
Park Jung-hoon is chasing Jang with a total of 26 points, and Song Min-hyuk, winner of the GS Caltex Maekyung Open, follows with 24 points.
