Jang Yu-bin won his second consecutive title on the Korea Professional Golfers' Association (KPGA) Tour at the Hana Bank Invitational, which carried total prize money of 1.3 billion won. Now leading both the Player of the Year and money rankings, Jang has heightened the likelihood of standing tall as a "tour dominator," as he did in 2024.
Jang carded a 5-under-par 67 in the final fourth round held Sunday at the Victory Challenge Course (par 71) of Namchuncheon Country Club in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, with six birdies and one bogey.
Finishing with a total of 10-under-par 274, Jang edged runner-up Kim Min-jun by one stroke to claim the title. It was his second straight victory following his triumph at the KPGA Classic last week, and his fifth career win on the KPGA Tour.
With the winner's prize of 260 million won, Jang increased his season earnings to 569.42 million won, rising to first place in the money rankings. He also took the top spot in Player of the Year points with 3,376.50 points.
In 2024, Jang swept the Player of the Year, money title, and lowest scoring average awards, vaulting to the top of the domestic scene. Last year, he moved his stage to LIV Golf but could not display his full ability due to a finger injury and other setbacks. After making a U-turn back to the domestic tour this year, Jang became the first to record two wins this season, showing signs once again of dominating the tour.
Starting the day three strokes behind the leader, Jang picked up three birdies on the front nine to move into a tie for the lead. On the back nine, he engaged in a match-play battle with Kim Min-jun, who was in the same group. Jang briefly fell one stroke back after a bogey on the 14th hole (par 4), but seized consecutive birdies on the 15th and 16th holes (both par 4) to move into a one-stroke lead on his own.
After finishing his round first at 10-under-par and watching his competitors play, Jang celebrated with a water shower from his fellow players once the victory was confirmed.
"Winning is a difficult thing, so I'm grateful just to have won two weeks in a row," Jang said. "Actually, I had a regret because I finished runner-up at this event two years ago, and with this win I've shed that regret too, so I feel good." He added, "I still can't believe last week's win, and now with this win on top, I'm thrilled. Next week, there's a tournament at Gunsan CC, which I personally like. I'll challenge for a third straight victory."
With Kim Min-jun taking second place, Lee Hyung-jun, Lee Sang-hee, and Bae Yong-jun tied for third at 7-under-par. Kim Seong-hyun, who had led the previous day, slipped to a tie for 10th at 4-under-par after a poor round in which he lost four strokes.
