Korea's Im snares another birdie record as Kirk wins The Sentry

Korea’s Sungjae Im reinforced his reputation as a birdie machine as he established another PGA Tour record by hitting the most birdies in a 72-hole tournament en route to a career third top-10 in four outings at The Sentry on Sunday (Monday Manila time).

On a final day where Chris Kirk claimed a thrilling one-stroke victory over Sahith Theegala in the season-opening event of 2024 and compatriot Byeong Hun An posting a solo fourth in his debut at The Plantation course at Kapalua, Im ensured memorable week himself by registering an unprecedented 34 birdies through four days.

The previous record was 32 birdies, achieved three times and most recently by Jon Rahm at The Sentry last year. Paul Gow (2001 B.C. Open) and Mark Calcavecchia (2001 WM Phoenix Open) also shared the record until Sunday.

While delighted with his record feat, Im was still somewhat disappointed with his third round of 73 on Saturday, which knocked him out of contention in his search for a third PGA Tour title at the $20 million showpiece on the world-famous holiday isle.

“I made a lot of birdies, but I kept thinking about the mistakes I made yesterday. So I played hard today and was able to finish with 11 birdies,” said Im, who finished T5 in 2021 and T8 in 2022.

This is the second birdie record on Tour, which Im now proudly holds as in 2021, he snared 498 birdies to set a new record for most birdies during a season, breaking the previous mark of 493 by Steve Flesch in 2000.

The two-time International Team member at the Presidents is now looking forward to sustaining his hot start and ending his title drought soon. “I was fortunate I was able to perform well in my first tournament and I think that's because I spent a lot of time in Korea over the winter working on my body, and it showed and gave me a good start,” said the 25-year-old.

He will also leave Maui with some valuable lessons on patience following a disappointing third day where he shot himself out of contention. “It was pretty windy yesterday and I made six birdies. But I also made six bogeys that weren’t necessary. On a windy day, I should have played more calmly but I went aggressive and my distance control wasn't right. I made a few