KJ Choi is looking forward to the chance to fine-tune his game ahead of The Masters as the European Tour visits his homeland.
Home favourite wants first South Korean event to open doors
KJ Choi is looking forward to the chance to fine-tune his game ahead of The Masters as the European Tour visits his homeland for the first time.
The inaugural Ballantine's Championship at Jeju Island has attracted a host of big names, including Open champion Padraig Harrington and American Ryder Cup star Chris DiMarco.
Choi is the clear favourite for the event, which he hopes will put South Korean golf on the map and open doors for his compatriots.
Choi, who won the 2003 German Masters in his first visit to continental Europe, said: "I hope this week turns out to be a very nice week for everyone so that they all have a good experience, especially for the Korean players - playing well in this tournament is going to open a lot of doors.
"A lot of the good players around the world have come a long way to play in this tournament and I just want to be a good host."
Hospitality
But Choi's hospitality only extends so far and he is determined to emerge victorious from the £1.5million event.
"I'll definitely try my best to win this week," added Choi, one of three Korean winners on the European Tour - Charlie Wi won the 2006 Maybank Malaysian Open while Yong-eun Yang won the 2007 HSBC Champions.
Blustery conditions are expected but Choi insists it is important to play to the elements.
"If you try to beat nature, bad things are going to happen, so take it as it is," he said.
Choi offered further advice to his compatriots, encouraging them to concentrate on their own games, rather than be influenced by the occasion or their playing partners.
"It's about how you set your own strategy for the week, not worrying about the other players," he said.
Choi, who won the Sony Open in Hawaii in January, insists a victory can provide the momentum for a first Major win at Augusta next month, despite the huge differences between the venues.
Major hope
"In Asia, the speed of the greens is a lot different than The Masters," added Choi, who was third at Augusta behind Phil Mickelson in 2004.
"But the fact that I've finished in third place in The Masters gives me hope that I have a shot to win a Major.
"I have to really be prepared to adjust myself to the fast greens and be able to hit the ball high enough so that I can stop the ball on the green.
"I think the good news is that there's a possibility."
Choi will play alongside Americans DiMarco and Kim in the first two rounds. He sees a lot of potential in the 22-year-old Kim, the son of Korean immigrants who has six top-10 finishes on the PGA Tour.
"He has a very good game, a very exciting game," said Choi. " He's one of the players to look out for and he's got a very bright future."
DiMarco, a three-time runner-up in Majors, is looking forward to playing alongside Choi and Kim, who can also expect a warm following.
The 39-year-old said: "To be part of that threesome is going to be quite an honour."
Harrington will lead the British and Irish charge, with valuable Ryder Cup points available early in the season.
The Open champion and world number 10 has a remarkable record in Asia - the Irishman will be seeking his fourth professional victory in his fourth different country - having triumphed at the 2003 BMW Asian Open in Taiwan, the 2004 Omega Hong Kong Open in Hong Kong and the 2006 Dunlop Phoenix in Japan.
