'The Tank' K.J. Choi: "My Primary Goal Is Always to Make the Cut"

Determined to Compete in the Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance K.J. Choi Invitational
Requests for Course Difficulty Result in a Perfect Setup at Ferrum Club
"I Will Play as Long as Possible, Not Just Until Sixty"

K.J. Choi, who holds the record as the oldest champion in Korean golf, stated, "Although I have won many times, I have never entered a tournament with victory in mind beforehand."

He made these remarks at the official press conference for the Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance K.J. Choi Invitational on September 24 at Ferrum Club in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province. At 55 years old, Choi is considered a strong contender for the title. Last year, he won the SK Telecom Open on the KPGA Tour at the age of 54, setting the record as the oldest winner in KPGA Tour history.

K.J. Choi is answering questions from the press at the official press conference of the Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance K.J. Choi Invitational. Photo by KPGA

Choi made it clear that he does not consciously think about winning. He explained, "Whenever I enter a tournament, my first goal is always to make the cut, the second is to finish in the top 10, and if I feel I have a chance in the final round, then I go for the win." Choi added, "If you start a tournament with victory as your goal, it becomes difficult. From my long experience, I know that when I play without pressure and without greed, my scores actually improve."

For this tournament as well, Choi humbly stated that his goal is "to complete all four rounds among the younger players," but he also left a lingering note, saying, "I will do my best." As the host of the event, Choi requested Ferrum Club to grow the rough to 80 centimeters to increase the course's difficulty. He also asked for a clear distinction between the fairway, A-cut rough, and B-cut rough. Choi expressed his gratitude, saying, "They prepared the course just as I requested."

Choi said, "In the past, I used to say I would only play as a professional until I turned 60, but now I have changed my mind. I won't set a specific end date, but I want to play as long as possible. If I want to repay everything I have received, there is no end to it. As new young talents continue to emerge, I need to stay healthy and active for a long time to support them," he said with a broad smile.