Choi Jin-ho in His 21st Year on Tour: "I'm Working Hard at Pilates"

Eight Career Wins, Still Going Strong at 40
Building Balance and Stamina Through Pilates and Running
Encouraging Younger Players to Challenge Themselves Beyond Korea
Focusing on Winning Two Ferrum Club Tournaments in the Second Half

He is turning back the clock.

This is the story of Choi Jin-ho, a veteran golfer on the Korea Professional Golf Association (KPGA) Tour. Born in May 1984, he is 41 years old this year. Although he is well past his prime, he continues to perform consistently. In an interview with Asia Economy on August 3, he said, "I never expected to play this long," and added, "I am grateful to still be on tour. It is thanks to the help of many people," with a big smile. He continued, "I have played on the domestic tour for a very long time. Results are important, but I will work even harder to be a model player."

Choi Jin-ho in His 21st Year on Tour: "I'm Working Hard at Pilates"

Jinho Choi is a top veteran golfer who has been long-running on the KPGA Tour for 21 years. Photo by KPGA

Choi Jin-ho debuted on the regular tour in 2005 and has collected a total of eight wins. He won the SBS Vivaldi Park Open in 2006 and was named Rookie of the Year. In 2016 and 2017, he swept both the Player of the Year and Money Leader titles. For a period, he played on the DP World Tour. Since 2020, he has been focusing once again on the KPGA Tour.

Choi Jin-ho's most recent victory came at the 2022 Bizplay Electronic Times Open. This year, he has played in ten tournaments, made the cut in eight, and finished in the top ten three times. His best individual result so far was third place at the Hana Bank Invitational in June. Currently, he ranks sixth in Genesis Points (2,112 points) and twelfth on the money list (196.05 million won).

The KPGA Tour entered a long break after the KPGA Gunsan CC Open in June. The second half of the season will begin with the Dong-A Membership Group Open on August 28. After finishing the first half, Choi Jin-ho spent two weeks on vacation with his family and has been training hard since July 20. He is working on restoring his balance through Pilates in Gwanggyo. He said, "I started to feel stiffness in my back during tournaments," and added, "On the recommendation of those around me, I am focusing on conditioning training through Pilates."

Jinho Choi is taking a commemorative photo with his family after finishing third at the Hana Bank Invitational. Photo by KPGA

The reason Choi Jin-ho has been able to maintain his skills even after turning 40 is because he enjoys his training. He smiled and said, "I have let go of the impatience to win and am playing happy golf." He started running after last season ended. "I realized that physical fitness is the most important thing in golf," he said. "I am running a lot to strengthen my stamina along with Pilates. My recovery is quick, and even if I play six rounds during a tournament week, including the pro-am and practice rounds, I do not feel tired at all."

By letting go, he has gained more. Choi Jin-ho confessed, "I tend to be sensitive. My obsession with results caused problems, but things started to improve once I relaxed." He currently trains mainly at Jisan Golf Academy in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province. He said, "In the past, I was too concerned about the amount of training. Doing a lot of training is not always good," and added, "I train with more composure now. I focus on maintaining my feel and working on my weaknesses."

Choi Jin-ho's strength lies in his precise iron shots. Last year, he ranked first in greens-in-regulation percentage (77.1518%). This year, he is third in this category (74.55%). He explained, "I have regained my confidence in my iron play. My conviction in my iron shots has grown. My iron play was especially good in the first half of this season."

Jinho Choi is focusing on putting practice to prepare for the second half of the season. Photo by KPGA

The reality of men's golf in Korea is bleak. There are not enough tournaments, and the prize money is insufficient. Choi Jin-ho expressed his gratitude, saying, "Male players do not earn much, so it is not easy to make a living just by playing golf. I am able to continue playing thanks to the ongoing support of those who have looked favorably upon me." He also advised younger players to challenge themselves on bigger stages. "The younger players have good swings and physiques. They have the qualities to compete on the world stage. I hope they dream big and take on new challenges. I hope they dream of playing overseas."

About a month remains before the start of the second half of the season. Choi Jin-ho said, "I plan to build up my fitness and also train to adapt to the grass for the remaining tournaments. I will especially focus on my short game." His goal for the second half is one win. There are ten tournaments left on the KPGA Tour, including the final Tour Championship in Jeju. Choi Jin-ho said, "I have done well at Ferrum Club. In the second half, two tournaments (the Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance Choi Kyung-ju Invitational in September and the Lexus Masters in October) will be held at Ferrum Club," and added, "I hope to win at a course I like."