Reuters
Player: Choi Kyung-ju
Country: Korea
Date of birth: May 19, 1970
Residence: Woodlands, Texas
Marital status: Married, two children
Turned pro: 1993
Career victories:
Known throughout the world of golf as K.J., his gentlemanly manner, fine work ethic and winning ways has made him an inspiration for Asian professionals and a role model for starry-eyed youngsters.
His seventh victory on the PGA Tour came at the Sony Open in Hawaii in 2008. The previous season, he became one of only two Asians to have reached the top 10 on the world rankings thanks to wins at the AT&T Classic and the Memorial Tournament and a second place finish at The Barclays.
He came close to Major glory in 2004, finishing third in the US Masters behind Phil Mickelson and Ernie Els. K.J., the son of a rice farmer, grew up on Wando island off the coast of Korea and didn't pick up a golf club until he was 15.
He initially trained as a powerlifter but switched his attention to golf on the suggestion of his athletics team coach. He washed cars to earn money for his practice sessions.
- 2008 Sony Open, Hawaii
- 2007 Memorial Tournament, AT&T Classic
- 2006 Chrysler Championship
- 2005 Chrysler Classic of Greensboro, SK Telecom Open
- 2004 SBS Championship
- 2003 Linde German Masters, SK Telecom Open
- 2002 Tampa Bay Classic, Compaq Classic of New Orleans
- 1999 Kirin Open, Ube Kosan Open, Kolon Cup Korean Open
- 1996 Korean Open
