Byeong Hun An’s Fresh Start: Aiming for PGA TOUR Success at The Genesis Invitational
Byeong Hun An, a prominent South Korean golfer, is set to compete in The Genesis Invitational at The Riviera Country Club, entering the tournament with a refreshed mindset aimed at achieving lasting success on the PGA TOUR. At 32, An stands among a strong contingent of Asian players in this year’s third Signature Event, alongside notables like host Tiger Woods, world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, 2021 champion Max Homa, and Rory McIlroy.
An’s 2024 season has started promisingly, with a fourth-place finish at The Sentry and a close second at the Sony Open in Hawaii, spotlighting his comeback after a challenging phase that saw him lose his PGA TOUR card in 2021. His return to Riviera, which will host the 2028 Olympic Games’ golf events, holds personal significance, considering his parents’ Olympic table tennis medals in Seoul 1988.
Reflecting on his journey, An shared his excitement about rejoining the elite field at The Genesis Invitational, a privilege he last enjoyed in 2017. His performance in Hawaii has bolstered his confidence, although he rues missing out on a victory.
The rejuvenation in An’s game is credited to his coach Sean Foley’s guidance, leading to a significant rise in both the FedExCup points list and the Official World Golf Ranking, where he currently stands within the top 50 for the first time since March 2020.
An’s new approach involves balancing life and golf, recognizing the importance of family over the sport. This perspective, he believes, will sustain his passion for golf and maintain his focus without overwhelming him mentally. He emphasizes the importance of effort and persistence, acknowledging the positive changes in his attitude and performance in recent years.
Heading into The Genesis Invitational, An remains committed to his objectives: breaking into the top 30 on the FedExCup and world rankings, and securing a PGA TOUR win. Reflecting on his Olympic aspirations, An, a former U.S. Amateur champion and DP World Tour winner, draws inspiration from his parents’ sporting achievements. Their support, coupled with An’s own experiences and ambitions, fuels his drive to excel in upcoming tournaments and the Paris Olympics, with an eye on adding an Olympic medal to his family’s legacy.
