Jeunghun Wang, who last month became the youngest player in history to win back-to-back European Tour events, has beaten some intense competition to claim the Hilton European Tour Golfer of the Month award for May.
Despite the strong claims of Rory McIlroy, Chris Wood and Li Haotong, who all won tournaments on home soil in what was a vintage month on the European Tour, Wang was the choice of the Golfer of the Month panel, which was made up of golf commentators, pundits and journalists.
The Korean, who impressed many observers when representing Asia in the EURASIA CUP at the start of the year, had plied his trade predominantly on the Asian Tour but received an invitation to tee up at the Trophée Hassan in Morocco – and promptly seized his opportunity with both hands.
Having forced a play-off with Nacho Elvira courtesy of a birdie from 15 feet on the 72nd hole, Wang kept his hopes alive with a birdie putt from three times that distance on the first extra hole, then saw off his Spanish opponent at the second attempt by converting yet another putt from distance.
It was a truly remarkable finish, and more fireworks were to follow in the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open, where Wang doubled his tally of European Tour titles in the space of seven days.
The 20 year old was locked in a final day battle with Siddikur Rahman at the Four Seasons Golf Club, but eventually overcame the Bangladeshi by a single stroke courtesy of a closing birdie.
In so doing, Wang beat the previous record held by the late, great Spaniard Seve Ballesteros, who was 21 years and 119 days young when he claimed back-to-back European Tour titles in 1978. He also became the first Korean player to win twice in a single European Tour season, and the first player from Asia to claim titles in successive weeks.
Wang, who receives Hilton HHonors Diamond Elite Status, the highest tier of the hotel’s renowned loyalty scheme, said: “I still can’t believe what I’ve done. The last month has been amazing, and to win this award makes me very happy.
“Thanks to Hilton and to the people who voted for me – I really appreciate it. I haven’t beaten Rory in a tournament yet, but at least I have beaten him to this award!”
The panel awarded Wood second place after the Englishman claimed by far the biggest title of his career in the BMW PGA Championship at the end of the month.
McIlroy came third following his win in his home event, the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open Hosted by the Rory Foundation at The K Club, where the World Number Three sealed victory with a sublime five-wood to three feet.
There were also honourable mentions for Li, who ensured the Volvo China Open trophy remained in Chinese hands by securing his breakthrough victory in Beijing.
John E Morgan, the former European Tour player and now on-course commentator for Sky Sports, said: “May was an incredible month for golf and this was a really tough decision, but in the end the performances of Wang swung the vote for me. The way he won in Morocco, with three birdie putts all from distance, was so impressive and then to back it up with another win in Mauritius the week after was even more spectacular. In any other month, McIlroy or Wood might have won the award, but winning your first two titles in back-to-back weeks is a very special achievement.”
HHonors Diamond Elite Status will provide Wang with a host of fantastic benefits at 4,600 hotels within the Hilton portfolio around the world, including complimentary access to Executive Floors, late checkouts, 48-hour room guarantees and, pending availability, complimentary room upgrades.
