Joy for Choi as he takes crown
CHEONAN: South Korea’s Choi Min-Chel held off the challenge of compatriot Park Sang-Hyun by sinking a birdie on the last hole to win the Kolon Korea Open Golf Championship by two shots yesterday.
Walking up the 18 green, Choi knew he could not afford to drop a shot as that would leave the door open for Park to force a three-hole play-off with him at the Woo Jeong Hills Country Club.
The 30-year-old steadied his nerves and could not contain his delight when his putt from 10-feet dropped into the cup.
“I felt very nervous especially walking up to 18 hole as I knew I could not afford to drop a shot there, knowing that Sanghyun had done very well. But somehow I managed to compose myself and close with a birdie,” said Choi.
“This win is for my family and sponsors who have been behind me in every step of my career. I would not have come this far without their support.”
Choi’s final round two-under-par 69 not only confirmed him as the newest champion of his National Open but also earned him a ticket to The British Open in Carnoustie next month, with the Kolon Korea Open Golf Championship part of The Open Qualifying Series this year.
“I’m really excited about going to Carnoustie and play in my first Major! It’s like a dream come true and no words can express how delighted I’m right now. There will be many world class players at The Open and I can’t wait to compete against them,” he added.
A fast-charging Park had earlier surmounted a late challenge when he stormed towards the finishing line with two birdies in his last four holes.
But after closing with a four-day total of 12-under-par 272 and watching Choi sign off with a winning birdie, Park eventually settled for second place at the KR1,200,000,000 (approx. US$1,125,000) event.
“I’m really looking forward to playing in my first major at The Open. It’s every professional golfer’s dream to play in a major and I’m no different. I came very close to winning again but that’s okay, that’s golf. I put up a good fight but Choi’s a deserving winner. You cannot win all the time and hopefully my day will come soon,” said Park.
Koreans continued to dominate their National Open with only Americans Kevin Na and John Cathlin breaking into the top-10 with their tied-fifth finish.
LEADING FINAL ROUND SCORES
(Par-71, a denotes amateur)
272 — Choi Min-Chel (KOR) 69-70-64-69
274 — Park Sang-Hyun (KOR) 68-69-71-66
278 — Moon Kyong-Jun (KOR) 69-70-73-66, KT Kim (KOR) 68-73-69-68
279 — Han Chan-Gwon (KOR) 72-65-73-69, Kevin Na (USA) 67-72-70-70, John Catlin (USA) 69-69-71-70, Eom Jae-Woong (KOR) 70-71-67-71, Choi Ho-Sung (KOR) 67-66-72-74
280 — Kim Jun-Sung (KOR) 68-76-68-68, Lee SangHee (KOR) 72-70-68-70
281 — Mun Do-Yeob (KOR) 69-71-72-69, Lee Dong-Min (KOR) 71-70-69-71, Hwang Inn-Choon (KOR) 68-73-6872, Lee Seung-Taek (KOR) 67-71-69-74