Choi Steps Up to the World
(11/01/2003)

"He has been winning over the last two years and is a strong solid player. He has fared very well in the U.S. and will not back down from his competitors." - Gary Player on K.J. Choi - Captain’s Choice for the International Team in the upcoming Presidents Cup.

Since coming onto the PGA Tour scene in 2000, Choi has quickly established himself as one of the world's most competitive and premiere golfers. Already a golf hero in his home country of South Korea, Choi sets out to remain a force wherever he plays. A recent validation of his worldly status came when Gary Player invited Choi to play in the highly anticipated Presidents Cup in South Africa this month.

Unlike the Ryder Cup, which pits U.S. players against European counterparts, the Presidents Cup is played on a grander scale - against the rest of the world. This includes formidable players like Ernie Els and Retief Goosen of South Africa, Vijay Singh of Fiji, Mike Weir of Canada, and Nick Price of Zimbabwe.

Presidents Cup Showdown - November 18 - 23, 2003

"Being selected to represent the International Team means a lot to me. When I found out that I was chosen, I was very honored and elated", said K.J.

Recently, Ian Baker Finch was quoted saying, "When I called him to inform him that he was selected to the International Team, KJ was very excited. KJ's been working real hard on his English in the last couple of years. I can tell you that he is very highly respected and regarded out on tour and the guys really like him and he'll be a good member of the team. He's a tough guy in competition."

So happy was Choi that he went out and clinched five straight Top 10 finishes in just over a month, including an impressive win at the Linde German Masters - his very first appearance on the European Tour. When asked about his recent run, Choi said, "My putting and short game has improved. I'm also feeling better with my swing adjustment." He is currently ranked 17th in the world golf ranking.

In Pursuit of Excellence

While his recent accomplishments this year have been notable, Choi did hit some turbulence along the way. K.J. underwent some swing tweaks under the guidance of his swing coach, Phil Ritson, equipment adjustments, and a few caddie changes. He has also been going through rigorous physical training. Despite all of these adjustments, Choi still managed to make 23 of 30 cuts.

"The reason for making all of these adjustments is that I want to take it to another level - winning Majors. In order to do that, it is important for me to find the right chemistry," K.J. said.

So far, he seems to be on the right path. His uncanny ability to set goals and achieve them is a culmination of hard work, perseverance and strong will. Since 2000, Choi has been on a steady if not fast climb up the ranks - not bad for someone who picked up the game in his mid-teens.

With the elite Tour Championship coming up next week in Houston, Texas - which is reserved for the Top 30 players - Choi will attempt to finish strong at this week's Chysler Championship in Tampa, Florida, where he is the 2002 defending champion. He is currently ranked 29th on the moneylist.

The 2003 PGA season may be coming to a bittersweet close, but for many K.J. fans, it's just the beginning. Things are looking brighter from here on out.

Reported by Michael Ohr
K.J. Choi Fan Central