Wang Jeung-hun spent many years competing mainly in Europe. His results were solid, with three wins on the DP World Tour. This year marks his first full season on the Korea Professional Golfers' Association (KPGA) Tour. Brandon Kewalramani of the United States hails from Simi Valley, California. After graduating from college, he competed on the second- and third-tier DP World Tours before joining the KPGA Tour this year.
Both Wang and Kewalramani live the life of "golf nomads." They are also both KPGA Tour rookies this year. On Wednesday, the two amicably took the top two spots on the first day of the KPGA Tour Gunsan CC Open, held at Gunsan CC in Gunsan, North Jeolla Province.
Wang collected nine birdies on the day for a 9-under-par 63. He holds the sole lead, one stroke ahead of Kewalramani. Starting from the 10th hole, Wang picked up three birdies on the front nine and added six more on the back nine.
"There wasn't much wind, so I played fairly comfortably," Wang said. "On the 13th hole, a ball I hit a bit hard struck the flagstick and went in. I think I caught a good rhythm from then on." Wang, who has recorded four top-10 finishes in six events this season, said, "It's my debut season and I'm enjoying my play. This is the last tournament of the first half of the season, so I hope I can finish it with a good result."
Kewalramani carded an 8-under-par with 10 birdies and one double bogey. Kewalramani, who also started from the 10th hole, said, "After I made a double bogey on the 17th hole, my caddie, who is my mother, told me, 'You're doing well, so stay calm.' Thanks to her, I quickly got over my frustration and was able to change the mood by making a birdie right away on the 18th hole." He added, "It's my first time in Korea, and everyone has treated me so well that I'm having a great time."
Jang Yu-bin, aiming for a third consecutive win, shot a 4-under-par to sit tied for ninth. Jang picked up five birdies on the front nine but recorded only one bogey on the back nine. "My front-nine play was good, so I had expectations for the back nine, but I think I kept playing defensively on the back nine," Jang said. "But I'm satisfied that I finished well without any major mistakes despite playing in consecutive tournaments."
