With virus on mind, Im takes Honda Classic
Moments after getting his first career PGA Tour victory, Sungjae Im reflected on what it means.
Not for himself — for his homeland and for those dealing with a virus that has the world on edge.
The South Korean, 21, won the Honda Classic by one stroke over Mackenzie Hughes and two over Tommy Fleetwood for his first victory in 50 tries on tour. Im made sure to speak out about the coronavirus and tell those in South Korea — where nearly 4,000 cases have been confirmed — he was thinking of them.
“Over in Korea right now, I know a lot of people are dealing with the coronavirus,” Im said. “But I’m just glad as a Korean player that I can deliver some good news to the countrymen back home ... and make everybody proud.”
Im, the PGA Tour rookie of the year last season, shot a four-under-par 66 to finish at six-under 274 at PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. Hughes shot his second consecutive 66. Fleetwood, who started the day ahead by one, had a 71.
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Texas right-hander Corey Kluber pitched three innings in an 8-6 win against the Dodgers in Phoenix. It was his first time facing a big league lineup since May 1 with Cleveland, when a line drive broke his pitching arm. Kluber then injured an oblique. The Indians traded him in the offseason . ... Boston left-hander Chris Sale threw batting practice in Fort Myers, Fla., facing hitters for the first time since Aug. 13. His season ended with elbow inflammation . ... Sidelined since having Tommy John surgery in November 2018, Houston righthander Lance McCullers started against St. Louis in West Palm Beach, Fla.
Team Bryan Brothers beat Team Sharapova 22-13 in the World TeamTennis Celebrity All-Star Match in Carlsbad. Bob and Mike Bryan, in their final year together on the ATP Tour, earned a 5-2 victory over Ryan Harrison and Mardy Fish . ... Organizers canceled the first two races of the MotoGP season in Qatar and Thailand because of travel restrictions amid the coronavirus outbreak . ... Utah cornerback Javelin Guidry ran the 40-yard dash in 4.29 seconds — the best time on the final day of workouts at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis.