Korean Golfer Close to Becoming First Asian to Win Major; Credits Success to Faith

By Ethan Cole, Christian Post Reporter Thursday, July 19, 2007

South Korean K.J. Choi could become the first Asian in history to win a major golf championship, but instead of crediting his ability he is pointing to his Christian faith.

"My game now has a lot of patience, due to my faith," said Choi on Wednesday, just one day prior to the start of the British Open.

"On every shot, I will have a song in my mind and my Christian faith helps me to stay calm on the golf course," he said, according to Agence France-Presse. "It's given me more ability in my game."

The Major Championships are the most prestigious annual tournaments in professional golf, with the British Open being the oldest of the Majors.

"In the Majors, it's very important to have a good start and keep your patience. My game now has a lot of patience and I feel it's quite strong. I'm putting well and driving very well," said the Asian favorite.

Choi, 37, had two massive victories on the U.S. PGA Tour in recent weeks, which boosted his confidence and gained him the title of the Asian most likely to win a Major. He is currently ranked 12th in the world.

"Every golfer's life goal is to win a Major," said Choi. "Asians haven't won a Major yet and if I can become the first to do it, it'll be golf history.

"I'll be trying hard," he added.

Choi was introduced to golf at the age of 16 by a physical education teacher and turned professional in 1994. He gained his first victory two years later at the Korean Open and three more victories in 1999, including two in Japan and one on the Asian Tour. In the same year, Choi qualified for membership of the U.S. based PGA Tour by finishing tied 35th at the 1999 qualifying tournament. He was the first Korean to earn a PGA Tour card.

The Christian golfer concluded, "Because I've won big tournaments doesn't mean my ego is going to rise," according to the San Francisco Chronicle. "At the end of each tournament, I always come back to where I was before to keep my ego in place. I'm still the same K.J. who works hard. That's the same approach I'm always going to take."

The 136th British Open, the third major this year, will take place at Carnoustie Golf Links in Scotland from Thursday to Sunday.