Kim Seung-min surged into a share of the lead Friday in Round 2 of the Dong-A Membership Group Open, the first KPGA Tour event of the second half of the season, which carries a purse of 700 million won ($503,000).
Playing at the Sol Course (par 72) at Solago Country Club in Taean, South Chungcheong Province, Kim carded five birdies against two bogeys for a 3-under-par 69, moving to a 12-under 132 total to share the top spot. He had been tied for second after Thursday's round.
Kim turned professional in 2024, and his best career finish is a tie for third at the fourth Woosung General Construction Open in 2022. He is now in contention for his first professional victory.
"I think I wrapped things up well despite the tough conditions," Kim said after his round. "My tee shots were solid with no major mistakes, and I had plenty of birdie opportunities after the tee — not missing too many of them is what led to the good score."
Jeong Jae-hun, the leading money winner on the KPGA David Golf Tour, could not finish his round before sunset but retained a share of the lead alongside Kim. Jeong had held the outright lead after Thursday's round.
Jeong started on the 10th hole (par 4) and played eight holes through the 17th (par 3), picking up two birdies to reach a 12-under 91 total before play was suspended at sunset.
The day was marked by repeated stoppages after lightning warnings accompanied by rain halted play at 9:20 a.m. Play resumed around 2 p.m. before being suspended again, and finally restarted at 4:20 p.m., with the last group not teeing off until 6:26 p.m.
Ultimately, 72 players who teed off in the afternoon were unable to complete Round 2 due to the fading light. They will face the added burden of finishing their remaining holes Saturday morning before heading straight into Round 3.
Kim Seong-hyeon, Choi Seung-bin and amateur Yu Min-hyeok are tied for third at 11-under 133.
yjc@heraldcorp.com
