Korea’s KJ Choi, arguably the most successful golfer to come out of Asia, will compete at the ISPS Handa New Zealand Open in Queenstown in March.
Choi, one of the top 25 players on the all-time money list, joins defending champion Michael Hendry and fellow Kiwis Ryan Fox, Tim Wilkinson and Steven Alker, among the first to confirm for New Zealand’s premier golf tournament.
The 99th New Zealand Open will be held at Millbrook Resort and The Hills near Queenstown on March 1-4
Choi is arguably the highest profile foreign golfer to compete in the Open since Tiger Woods, but it is not his first time in this country.
"I visited New Zealand as part of a winter training group in 1995 and I remember the beautiful trees on the golf course. I can’t believe it’s already been 21 years.
" I’m very excited and can’t wait to play in front of the New Zealand golf fans," Choi said.
The Korean-born 47-year-old, has enjoyed 20 professional wins worldwide, with eight wins on the PGA Tour including the 2011 Players Championship and has amassed over NZ$50 million in prizemoney in his illustrious career to date.
"I’m motivated to continue playing because of the fans.
"This is my 19th season on the PGA Tour and 25th year playing professional golf. I certainly would not have achieved what I have been able to do without the fan support. Knowing this I’ve always tried to repay the fans by playing my best out on the golf course."
New Zealand Open Tournament Chairman, John Hart, said Choi’s entry is further demonstration of the burgeoning international status of the event, which will be broadcast to 151 countries in 2018.
"It will be a thrill to have KJ with us and an opportunity for golf fans to watch one of the world’s most accomplished players and one of its most recognisable and likeable figures," Hart said.
Choi's Players Championship victory came in 2011 at TPC Sawgrass when he beat David Toms in a playoff, while he has played in the World Cup for Korea three times and in the Presidents Cup on three occasions.
Organisers expect to announce further key players in the coming weeks.
Newshub.
