Courtesy of IJO09
K.J Choi posted a third round score of eight-under-par 64 for a three-day total of 20-under-par 196 at the full field Asian Tour event that was reduced to a 54-hole stroke play tournament due to inclement weather. Choi spun his words into gold when he held true to his word of a career revival in Johor. He did not take long to prove his point when he fired three consecutive birdies in his opening three holes before adding another two on the sixth and seventh holes to make the turn in 31.
The Korean went on to post further birdies on holes 11, 12 and 18 to return with a blemish free scorecard courtesy of an amazing par save on the 15th after his tee-off shot found the water. Choi recovered remarkably when he managed to hole his chip from 10 yards to save par. “I was not really concerned about my shot on the 15th hole. Even if I had made a bogey, I knew that the next few holes were difficult holes and I had some space between Himmat so I kept myself calm and it helped with the way I played,” said Choi who bagged US$158,500 for his victory.
Choi’s victory marked a happy homecoming for the Korean as he previously sharpened his skills on the Asian Tour before turning his attention to the US PGA Tour where he has won seven titles. “It is not easy to win on the Asian Tour. The depth of talent of the players here is very deep,” said Choi who will be heading to the lucrative Barclays Singapore Open next week.
Retief Goosen of South Africa returned with a superb 62 to take a share of third position alongside overnight leader Himmat Rai of India who closed with a 70 for a three-day total of 201 at the final round that was suspended for two hours due to thunderstorms.
Defending champion Goosen signaled his intention of staging a remarkable comeback by closing with the week’s lowest score of 62 on the final day. Goosen blitzed through his front nine by carding three consecutive birdies followed by a magical eagle where his amazing bunker shot from about 10 yards out found the hole.
