SEOUL, March 23 (AJP) - Im Sung-jae secured a tie for fourth place at the Valspar Championship on Sunday, marking his strongest performance of the 2026 season. The 27-year-old South Korean entered the final round at Florida's Innisbrook Resort with a two-stroke lead, seeking his third career victory on the PGA Tour. A challenging closing 3-over 74 left him at 8-under 276 for the tournament, three strokes behind winner Matt Fitzpatrick.
The result signals a vital return to form for Seoul’s most consistent golfer. Im had been sidelined throughout January and February due to right wrist inflammation following his mandatory military basic training. After missing the cut in his previous two starts this month, his 54-hole lead at the Copperhead Course effectively ended concerns regarding his physical recovery.
Im established himself as a premier talent early in his career, earning the 2019 PGA Tour Rookie of the Year award. Known as the "Ironman" for his heavy playing schedule, he remains the only player to reach the season-ending Tour Championship in every season since his debut. His performance in Florida marks his first top-ten finish of the year.
The final round proved difficult as Im carded five bogeys through his first ten holes. He managed to stabilize his round on the back nine, highlighted by a chip-in birdie from the edge of the green on the par-4 16th. While the late surge was not enough to reclaim the lead, the top-five finish provides significant momentum heading into the Masters in April.
Britain's Fitzpatrick clinched the title with a 4-meter birdie putt on the 18th hole to finish at 11-under 273. The victory was his first since the 2023 RBC Heritage and earned him a $1.6 million prize. David Lipsky finished one stroke back in second place, while Jordan Smith took third.
Other South Korean competitors also delivered notable performances at Innisbrook. Kim Seong-hyeon shot a 1-under 70 to finish tied for seventh at 7-under 277, his best result since May 2024. Kim Joo-hyung finished in a tie for 18th at 4-under 280, level with Brooks Koepka.
The PGA Tour continues next week as players make their final preparations for the first major championship of the year. Im is expected to remain the highest-ranked South Korean player in the world rankings following this result.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.