The CJ Cup Byron Nelson: Invited Player Participation
2nd Round Total 4-Over-Par, 147th Place, Misses the Cut
"I Have Many Areas to Improve... I Will Challenge Again"
Choi Seungbin, the winner of the 2023 Korea Professional Golfers' Association (KPGA) Championship, experienced firsthand the high level of competition on the U.S. Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) Tour.
On May 3 (local time), at TPC Craig Ranch (par 71, 7,569 yards) in McKinney, Texas, Choi lost one stroke in the second round of The CJ Cup Byron Nelson (total prize money of $9.9 million), finishing in 147th place with a 4-over-par 147. He failed to make the cut, as he did not reach the cut line of 5-under-par 137, and was therefore unable to compete in the weekend rounds. Choi said, "I realized what I am lacking and now I know clearly how I should prepare," adding, "I will go back to Korea and work even harder." The following is a Q&A with Choi Seungbin.
Choi Seungbin is teeing off at the 2nd hole during the second round of the PGA Tour The CJ Cup Byron Nelson. CJ Group
-You unfortunately did not make it to the final rounds.
▲Of course, it would have been better if the result had been good, but by actually playing on a PGA Tour course myself, I could physically feel the differences from Korea. Since my dream is to play on the PGA Tour, I learned again that there are many areas where I am lacking and need to improve.
-What are the differences between the domestic tour and the PGA Tour?
▲There was a significant difference in course conditions. There were many more situations requiring shot-making, such as pin positions, compared to Korea. I felt that the players were much more detailed. In terms of shot shape, spin control, and trajectory, the players seemed to adapt to each situation. Those aspects felt much more sophisticated than in Korea.
-How would you evaluate your own play in this tournament?
▲I thought I would be very nervous, but I was actually calmer than expected. My shots were fine, but my putting was very poor over the two days. The putts kept missing at crucial moments, so I couldn't build momentum, which was disappointing. The greens were not easy. I did not play well on the greens.
-Was it difficult to adjust to the time difference?
▲That was also a big factor. Even the day before, I couldn't sleep properly. I thought it wouldn't be a major problem for my performance, but I was very tired because I couldn't adjust to the time difference. The jet lag had some impact, but I don't want to make excuses. There is definitely a difference in putting and short game. I felt this even more clearly through this tournament.
-You practiced with players like Kim Siwoo and An Byeonghun.
▲Whenever I was curious about something, I asked the older players a lot of questions. I got some short game tips from Siwoo. Watching their play, I learned once again about the level of the PGA Tour.
-I heard that playing on the PGA Tour is your dream.
▲I definitely want to come at least once. My dream has become even clearer. Experiencing it in person, it was completely different from what I had imagined. I realized what I am lacking. I also now know clearly how I should prepare.
-Will you challenge the U.S. stage again this winter?
▲Of course, I will participate in the qualifying (Q) school preliminaries again this year. This will be my fourth challenge. Having experienced the PGA Tour, I think my perspective on golf has broadened. I will try to prepare in even more detail. If I keep working hard like this, I believe I will achieve good results in Korea as well. I will continue to challenge myself until I make it to the PGA Tour.
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