Even-Par K.J. Choi Says "I'm Satisfied With My Score, Three Days Remain"

Tied for 65th in Round 1 of Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance K.J. Choi Invitational
Six strokes behind the leaders, aiming for a comeback in Round 2
Choi Seungbin, Hwang Junggon, Bae Yongjun and others surge with 6-under-par

'Tank' K.J. Choi has completed his warm-up on the first day.

On September 25 at Ferrum Club (par 72, 7,330 yards) in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province, during the first round of the Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance K.J. Choi Invitational on the Korea Professional Golfers' Association (KPGA) Tour, Choi traded two birdies for two bogeys. He finished with an even-par 72, placing him in a tie for 65th. He is six strokes behind the co-leaders-Choi Seungbin, Hwang Junggon, Bae Yongjun, and Jeon Sunghyun-who all shot a 6-under-par 66.

K.J. Choi is taking his second shot on the first hole of the first round at the Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance K.J. Choi Invitational. Photo by KPGA

K.J. Choi said, "I couldn't quite adjust to the much heavier green speed at the start of the round, and I made a few shot errors, but considering that I just returned to Korea two days ago and my condition hasn't fully recovered, it's a decent result." He added, "There are still three days left. I'm satisfied with today's score."

Last year, at age 54, K.J. Choi set the record as the oldest winner on the KPGA Tour at the SK Telecom Open. As the host of this tournament, he is aiming to set another new record. He said, "Compared to when I played this course last year, my tee shot distance has increased, so it was easier. On the 10th hole (par 4), where I used a hybrid club for my second shot last year, I hit a 7-iron today. I need to create more birdie opportunities," he said, looking forward to tomorrow.