Wang Jung-hoon fires 9-under 63 to lead Gunsan CC Open by one stroke

Wang Jung-hoon took a one-stroke lead after the opening round of the KPGA Tour's Gunsan CC Open on Thursday.

Playing at Gunsan CC Tournament Course (par 72) in Gunsan, North Jeolla Province, Wang carded nine birdies against no bogeys for a 9-under 63, moving one ahead of sole second-place Brandon Kewalamanee of the United States, who shot 8-under 64.

Wang started on the 10th hole and picked up his first birdie at the par-5 11th, then added birdies at the 13th and 18th to finish the opening nine three under. He caught fire on the inward nine, making six birdies, including four consecutive birdies from the 4th through the 7th hole.

Wang is a three-time winner on the DP World Tour but is spending this year as a 31-year-old rookie on the KPGA Tour.

Still seeking his first KPGA Tour title, Wang said after the round, "It's my debut year on the KPGA Tour and I'm really enjoying it. This is the last tournament of the first half of the season, and I hope to finish it with a good result."

Kewalamanee, who finished tied for 12th at KPGA Tour qualifying school to earn his card this season, is also a KPGA Tour rookie. He won twice on the Alps Tour — the third-tier circuit of the DP World Tour — two years ago.

"Since this is my first time on the KPGA Tour, there were things I didn't know much about, but everyone has been very kind to me," Kewalamanee said. "I've had a great time here in Korea, which is so far from home. I'm also looking forward to going back to the United States to rest and train. I want to prepare well for the KPGA Tour when it resumes in August."

Lee Sang-hee moved into sole third place with a bogey-free 7-under 65, making seven birdies. National team member Yoo Min-hyuk was among a group tied for fourth at 6-under 66, alongside Jeong Chan-min, Im Ye-taek and Kim Min-jun.

Jang Yu-bin, who is chasing a third consecutive KPGA Tour victory, opened with a 4-under 68 — five birdies, one bogey — to sit tied for ninth with Kim Hong-taek, Kim Chan-woo and Heo In-hoe.