K.J. Choi with Daughter Amanda
Korean star K.J. Choi knows he must be “100 per cent focused” when he begins his title quest at The Masters Tournament starting at Augusta National Golf Club on Thursday.
The Asian Tour honorary member is craving for Major glory at his favourite tournament and has come close previously to donning the Green Jacket which is afforded to the Masters champion.
In 2004, Choi finished an impressive third while last year, the Korean challenged throughout the week before finishing fourth in the year’s opening Major.
“I just need to be 100 per cent focused to the very last shot and the last hole on Sunday and stay patient,” said Choi, who holds seven victories on the PGA Tour.
“There's no room for small mistakes and I'm not just referring to the shots you hit on the golf course. The Masters is more than that. I failed to do that last year during the final round.”
Like many others, the man from Wando island acknowledges that The Masters would be a special tournament to win. “The history behind it, the winners and how they won, the golf course, the atmosphere, the recognition ... it sets the tournament apart from any other tournament. One can only tell how special it is just by being there,” said Choi.
He gave himself an ideal boost to his Masters preparation by finishing tied sixth at the Arnold Palmer Invitational two weeks ago and said the swing changes he is undergoing with coach Steve Bann is slowly reaping its rewards.
“Out on the driving range, I'm hitting it perfect. I need to take that on to the golf course during my rounds and piece it all together from driving to the irons; short game and to the putting. I'm going through a swing change and I just need to trust it 100 per cent,” said Choi.
“I will keep to my routine and trust my swing and stroke.”
Choi’s manager Michael Yim explained: “Steve has been working on a parallel setup with K.J.'s eyes, shoulders, hips and knees parallel to the target line. He did have his eyes aligned left previously which suited the hold fade (shot).
“His backswing is now more compact with less lift at the top and his key thought is to fully release his right side through the hit with no hang on. This has increased his power with all clubs and he can now draw and fade by adjusting his setup and club face position and using the same swing.
“Steve says he sees more and more confident golf swings every day on the course, and on the range, it is great.”
Choi is confident that an Asian player would soon triumph at The Masters and follow in countryman Y.E. Yang’s footstep in winning a Major. Last year, Yang, who was victorious in the 2009 PGA Championship, finished eighth at the Masters.
“Just look at what Asian players have done recently. As they have an opportunity to play more in the Majors, they learn and realise what they need to do. Their names pop up on the leaderboards at any given day. They just need to keep their composure for four days. It's only a matter of time,” said Choi.
