Being considered the greatest golfer of all time, Tiger Woods and his career have always been an inspiration for other golfers. The South Korean golfer Sunjae Im, too, had admired his talent and followed his game. That is why he couldn’t help but admire the American golfer when they met for the first time. 

“Tiger was the person I always wanted to see up close,” Im said. “see his swing, his ball flight.” Sungjae Im shared his experience of meeting Woods for the first time with the Golf Digest. 

“I was speechless the first time I saw him,” he added. Im explained that he was excited to join the PGA Tour since he would get chances to practice with his favorite golfers. Moreover, the South Korean golfer couldn’t stop himself from praising Woods. 

“Great Imagination,” “can hit any shot,” “so much confidence.” Im sounded like a real fanboy when he lauded Woods. “He has his own glow around him,” he added. 

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Sungjae Im became a pro in 2015 as he started to play on the Japan Golf Tour in 2017. Furthermore, Im joined the Korn Ferry Tour in 2018 and established his name with a win on his first start. He won The Bahamas Great Exuma Classic with a 4-shot lead. 

Moreover, he has won two championships so far on the PGA Tour since he joined in 2019. 

How did Tiger Woods make an impact on the other golfers? 

Woods made an impact as soon as he turned pro in 1996. His record-breaking wins at such a young age had made others realize that they, too, can turn pro at young age and win events. 

Furthermore, Woods was the only golfer with an athletic body at the time of his debut. This had a positive impact on the aspiring golfers, as they tried to follow him and make themself fit. 

Many popular golfers have credited the 15-time major champion for their inspiration to become professional golfers. According to Justin Thomas, Tiger’s PGA Championship victory in 2000 is the reason he turned pro. Furthermore, Jordan Spieth, Rory McIlroy, Bryson DeChambeau, and many more have said that Woods’ game has inspired them. 

25 years into his career, Woods is still an inspiration for aspiring golfers. Even after having many surgeries, he still plays golf and wins events, including majors. 

Despite being of a different nationality and young, Sungjae Im was starstruck when he saw Woods first time. That is the impact Woods has on the golfers, even now.

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