Jung wins regional qualifier, earns exemption into Canadian Open

Richard Jung (Photo courtesy of Golf Canada)

MILTON, Ont. – Richard Jung fired a 10-under-par 62 to claim the third and final RBC Canadian Open regional qualifier on Monday.

Jung, of Markham, Ont., tied a course record at the Copperhead Course at RattleSnake Point, taking medallist honours to earn an exemption into the 106th playing of the Canadian Open at Glen Abbey.

Jung opened and closed his round with eagles to accompany seven birdies. He finished four strokes clear of second place.

“This is my first event in six months, my plan was to hit fairways, greens and go for the putts where I could,” Jung said. “There were some tricky holes.

I had a hard time thinking in the present all day because I was so pumped and having so much fun at the same time.”

The 22-year-old will be playing in his first Canadian Open.

A total of 144 players competed in the 18-hole stroke play qualifier with 24 players advancing to the RBC Canadian Open final qualifier to be staged July 20 in Alberton, Ont.

Daniel Kim of Toronto capitalized on a seven birdie performance to finish tied for second with Mississauga, Ont., native Jonathan Kim-Moss at 6-under par. The pair earned their spots in the Monday qualifier, alongside amateurs Branson Ferrier of Barrie, Ont., and Chase Komaromi of Delaware, Ont., who both shot 67 for a share of fourth place.

The two-stage qualifying procedure for Canada’s National Open Championship features three regional qualifying events held in Quebec, British Columbia and Ontario, followed by the final qualifying competition on July 20.

The previous two qualifying events held in Ile-Bizard, Que., and Squamish B.C., awarded 25 players with spots into the final qualifying event.

A minimum of four players will gain entry into the Canadian Open through the Monday qualifier.