Korean golfer finally enjoys Olympic experience in last round

After taking himself out of medal contention early at the Rio de Janeiro Olympic men's golf, South Korean Wang Jeung-hun said Sunday he finally enjoyed himself on the links in the final round.

Wang shot a four-under 67 on Sunday at the par-71, 7,128-yard Olympic Golf Course. He began the day tied for 51st at six-over, and moved to a four-way tie for 43rd after shooting his best round of the tournament.

"Today, I enjoyed the game for the first time in Rio," Wang said after scoring seven birdies against one bogey and one double bogey. "I am glad I ended the tournament on a good note. I shouldn't have been so aggressive at the start, and I don't think I was ready to handle the winds."

Wang wasn't originally in position to compete here, but when Kim Kyung-tae, the second qualifier for South Korea after An Byeong-hun, withdrew because of his concerns over the Zika virus, Wang filled in as the first alternate.

"I think I've figured out this course, but the tournament is over," Wang said with a smile. "Other than the bad tee shot that led to the double bogey on the 10th, I played a nearly perfect round."

Wang has been one of golf's Cinderella stories this year, winning back-to-back events on the European Tour. He said competing in the Olympics under the guidance of coach Choi Kyoung-ju, an eight-time PGA Tour winner, was a valuable learning experience for him.

"Hopefully, this will serve as a turning point in my golf career," Wang added. "I will keep trying to make it to the PGA Tour." (Yonhap)