2022 ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP: Top 10 Power Rankings at Narashino CC

Sungjae Im just continues to play solid, steady golf. He was in the mix throughout much of the tournament last week, finishing in seventh place at the Shriners Children’s Open.

It was a worthy title defense. Im recorded rounds of 65-70-63-67 and was in the top five through three rounds.

The 24-year-old ranked top-25 in the field in all strokes gained categories, including sixth in total SG tee to green (8.031).

Now, the South Korean gets to play two events in his home continent, including his home continent at the CJ Cup next week.

“Yeah, very excited to return to Japan,” Im was transcribed by ASAP Sports. “I remember I finished solo third there at the inaugural event, so I’m happy to go back to Japan, and also playing in the CJ Cup is always exciting.”

After an opening round 71, Sungjae Im was the best player over the final 54 holes finishing in 64-67-65. He settled for T-3rd and six shots behind Tiger Woods.

Im’s 6-under score on Sunday tied low round of the day and jumped him seven spots up the leaderboard. He ended the week ranked seventh in the field in scrambling (73.91%) and fourth in putts per green in regulation (1.673). Im didn’t make higher than bogey all week and was T-2nd with 20 birdies.

Before Im became a PGA Tour star, and even before he dominated the Korn Ferry Tour for a season, he cut his teeth as a pro on the Japan Golf Tour in 2016 and 2017. In his second season, Im collected 10 top-10s.