Golf: South Korean sensation An urges Asians to try luck in Europe after his stunning win

South Korea's An Byeong Hun in action during the third round of the BMW PGA Championship on May 23. He urged more Asian golfers to try their luck on the European Tour following his outstanding six-shot win at Wentworth. -- PHOTO: REUTERS 
South Korea's An Byeong Hun in action during the third round of the BMW PGA Championship on May 23. He urged more Asian golfers to try their luck on the European Tour following his outstanding six-shot win at Wentworth. -- PHOTO: REUTERS 

LONDON (REUTERS) - South Korean An Byeong Hun urged more Asian golfers to try their luck on the European Tour following his outstanding six-shot win in the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.

The 23-year-old is in his rookie season on the main circuit after spending three years on the second-tier Challenge Tour and he achieved the biggest victory of his fledgling career by firing a sizzling seven-under closing round of 65 on Sunday.

"I'm always telling my friends in Asia that the European Tour is great," An said after finishing with a 21-under tally of 267, a record for the championship in relation to par. "I keep telling them they should come over. There are a lot of good players and a lot of good events and great courses."

An became only the third rookie to win the championship in the 60-year history of the event, picking up a first prize of €833,330 (S$1.22 million) and climbing from 132nd in the world rankings to 54.

It secured him a place in next month's US Open at Chambers Bay in Washington State, a three-year exemption to the British Open and a European Tour exemption that will last until the end of 2019.

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