K.J. Choi's Historic Win Truly Inspirational

May 8, 2002

"Excellent tempo - tough competitor - very composed - solid golf."

These were words to describe K.J. Choi during his final round on Sunday, a day notorious for wreaking havoc on any pro's nerves pursuing his first PGA Tour tournament win.

What took place that Sunday afternoon was not only history in the making but also something that can't be easily described into words. It was purely magical. For many who tuned in to watch the Compaq Classic probably never even heard of K.J. Choi. Fan or not, you most likely became a fan of K.J. Choi anyway after Sunday's victory.

But before we get to Sunday's finale, let's recap the events leading up to that historical day.

Not only was there plenty of competition which included Phil Mickelson, Jesper Parnevik, Chris DiMarco and last year's winner David Toms, there were also other elements to contend with.

Droughts throughout much of the Louisiana region left the putting greens at the English Turn course very dry, making it tricky and fast. During the first two rounds on Thursday and Friday, gusty winds reaching between twenty to twenty five miles an hour prevented many from shooting low scores.

In face of those formidable conditions, K.J. found himself at the top of the leaderboard after 36-holes, shooting 68 and 65 in the first two rounds, respectively, to get to 11-under 133. His 7-under par 65 performance in the 2nd round included an eagle, six birdies and a bogey, making it the lowest score of the day.

But for many players in round 3 on Saturday, including Choi, it was just a matter of surviving the heat and dry greens that acted like glass surface.

"It was tough," Choi said, wiping his face after the round. K.J.'s 1-under par 71 was just enough to maintain the lead going into Sunday's final round.

Now the stage was set. Tens of thousands of people in Korea would set their alarm clocks to 4 o'clock Monday morning (Korea time!). K.J.'s wife, Kim, would fly out from Houston, Texas the next morning and would surprise her husband at the 5th hole. And a whole slew of players were well-within striking distance of the lead.

For someone who had never won a PGA Tour event, Choi's demeanor throughout the final round was in stark contrast to what many would have expected. As if in a well-rehearsed play, K.J. seemed to have Sunday's final round all mapped out. Maybe part of his 10-year Master Plan, as he called it. His display of confidence seemed to baffle even the sports commentators. "He looks so relaxed and very composed", said Curtis Strange of ABC Sports.

By the time Choi was through the 5th hole on Sunday, he made one birdie to get to 13-under and a tie for the lead with Bryce Molder, an all-collegiate standout from Georgia Tech. And with 12 players hot on the trail just 3-behind, it was still anyone's tournament.

A recap of K.J.'s key shots during the final round:

7th Hole	445yd, Par 4	Makes 6-ft downhill putt for birdie to get to 14-under to take one shot lead
11th Hole	550yd, Par 5	Chips 3rd shot 25-ft passed the pin, makes long putt for birdie to get to 15-under. Takes 2-shot lead.
13th Hole	380yd, Par 4	Uses pitching wedge from 108yds and sticks it to within 2 1/2 ft for birdie to get to 16-under. Takes 3-shot lead.
16th Hole	442yd, Par 4	Hits 318yd drive, uses pitching wedge from 124yds on 2nd shot and rolls ball up to the pin for a near eagle. Shot of the Day. Goes to 17-under, takes 4-shot lead.
17th Hole	207yd, Par 3	Tee shot lands off the green. Chips in 25-footer to get to 18-under, 5-shot lead.

Who says you need Tiger Woods in a tournament to add excitement. Despite a missed par-putt he could have easily made if he needed it on the 18th green, it was his only bogey of the round. Choi also made some crucial 4 - 6 ft par saves on other holes to maintain a sizeable lead while others had difficulty sinking their putts.

Given all the challenges Choi faced all throughout the tournament, this was noaccidental victory. This has been a product of years in the making. Most players on Tour who know him knew it was a matter of 'when' and not 'if' he would win a tournament. He has established himself as a bona fide tough competitor.

K.J.'s remarkable display of rhythm and tempo on Sunday caught the attention of the golf media and viewers alike. When asked about his mental preparation and how he looked so composed throughout his game, K.J. replied, "At tee off, I concentrate to physically keep my feet in balance. Then when I'm walking toward the ball on the fairway or on the green, I do so with steady paces. By doing this I am able to keep my tempo and composure."

Another noticeable attribute was his ability to play under pressure. Before, fans called him 'Tank' just for his build from powerbuilding in his earlier years, but now they may call him that because he seems impenetrable to pressure, a trait that one formidable opponent uses to his advantage...Tiger Woods. After what we witnessed at the Compaq Classic, K.J. looks like he can stand his ground against anyone he faces on any given Sunday.

K.J.'s impressive win has uprooted a deep belief that Korean male golfers just don't have the game to succeed on the PGA Tour, and has generated a ripple effect that will inspire and influence many generations to follow in his footsteps. "I believe my victory here will influence a generation of Korean golfers to come to the US and try out for the PGA Tour. In that sense, this win is very special.", said K.J.

"I truly admire Mr. Choi's persistence and ability to play well on foreign soil. He's an incredible golfer and an inspiration to many Asian golfers such as myself", said Dong Yi, a Korean-American who is currently playing on the Asian PGA Tour circuit.

During his press conference, K.J. also gave credit where credit is due. "My win here is not just from the experience I gained on the PGA Tour but also what I learned while playing on the Asian PGA Tour.

One of Korea's top golfers, Kwang-soo Choi, had this to say about his fellow countryman. "K.J. made such a big shot,'' Choi said. "Choi's victory is not just his. He has given dreams and hopes to many young Korean golfers that they can also make it.''

And then there is his allegiance of fans, known as 'K.J.'s Army', who have been there from the beginning. Fan support has meant a lot to him. "I am truly grateful to my fans. They have given me strength when I need it the most.", said K.J.

One American fan named, Tom, who had recently met K.J. had this to say, "He was very friendly and approachable. He has won a fan for life. Congratulations on the win!". The army seems to keep on growing.

Reported by Michael & John Ohr
K.J. Choi Fan Central
www.kjchoi.net