[At Clubhouse] 'Tank' Choi Kyung-ju "Focusing on Senior Tour Slowly"

FedEx Cup Top 125 Goal, Dunlop Srixon's 'New Weapon' Equipped, Tokyo Olympics Men's Team 'Coach Gold Medal' Challenge

'Tank' Choi Kyung-ju stated, "I will focus on the PGA Tour this year and aim to secure my card for next year by entering the top 125 in the FedEx Cup rankings."

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] "I think I can take a bit more time and focus on the Senior (Champions) Tour."

This is the honest feeling of ‘Tank’ K.J. Choi (51, SK Telecom). At the untact media day event hosted by his equipment sponsor Dunlop Sports Korea on the 16th, he said, "When I go to the Senior Tour, I am the only Asian player, so it feels lonely," and added, "I have the qualification to play on the PGA Tour, so it feels a bit of a waste to focus on the Senior side already." He continued, "My goal is to secure a tour card next year by finishing within the top 125 in the FedEx Cup rankings," expressing confidence by saying, "It is definitely possible."

▲ ‘All-in on the Regular Tour’= K.J. Choi is a world star with 8 career wins on the PGA Tour, including the 2011 Players Championship, known as the ‘fifth major.’ Since last year, he has been playing concurrently on the Champions Tour for players aged 50 and above. Having played on the PGA Tour for 21 years, he ranks 31st in all-time earnings ($32,731,002). Although he has been a leading figure for Korea, his performance has been slowing down, with his last top 10 finish being a tie for 10th at the RBC Heritage in April 2019.

He needs good results this year to maintain his tour card. He has played 8 events in the 2020/2021 season but only made it to the final rounds three times. His best finish was a tie for 46th at the Mayakoba Golf Classic last December, ranking 199th in earnings ($49,725). "This year is my last chance to play on the PGA Tour through the career earnings category," he explained, "If I want to play next year, I have no choice but to finish within the top 125 in the FedEx Cup rankings."

K.J. Choi has equipped Srixon clubs and balls as his new weapons starting this year. Photo by Dunlop Sports Korea

▲ "Competing with Accuracy"= Time cannot be reversed. As of the 18th, his average driving distance ranks 236th (271.8 yards), fairway hit rate 94th (62.34%), greens in regulation 159th (66.16%), and putts per round 156th (29.45). "It’s true that I can’t compete with younger players in terms of distance," said K.J. Choi, "but I still have competitive weapons," adding, "My iron shots have become more accurate, and my putting has improved significantly," showing faith in his veteran resilience.

He has equipped himself with new gear. Starting this year, he uses Dunlop’s Srixon clubs and balls. He has been adapting to the new clubs in Dallas, Texas, where he lives. "I am satisfied with the feel, trajectory, and control," he said, expressing satisfaction that the driver, irons, and wedges all help improve his performance. His winter training in Dallas was made more meaningful by practicing clay shots with promising young players supported by his foundation.

Choi Kyung-ju, who was appointed as the head coach of the men's national team for the Rio Olympics, is seen arriving at the fiercely contested Olympic golf course.

▲ "Winning and Coaching"= He aims to collect winning trophies even on the Champions Tour. "There are about 10 players on the Senior Tour who are like older brothers, and they play really well," said K.J. Choi, "Their driving distances are not ordinary either," adding, "I want to report a win soon as well." Last year, he played in 7 tournaments and made two top 10 finishes. In October, he tied for 6th at the Dominion Energy Charity Classic. He ranks 35th in earnings ($333,334).

He will serve as the coach for the Korean men’s team at the Tokyo Olympics scheduled for July. This is his second time after the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics. "The golf course in Japan where the event is held is located on a mountainside, similar to domestic golf courses," he said, analyzing, "While players from other countries place more significance on participating in the Olympics, our players focus much more on winning medals." He also predicted, "There is a very high possibility that Korean players like Sungjae Im (23, CJ Logistics) will win medals."