“Star Wars” Choi Kyung-joo in 5th Place

“Tank” Choi Kyung-joo (Superior, TaylorMade) was as powerful as ever even at the special stage in which 16 professional golfers from the top class were invited.

The first round of the Target World Challenge was held in Sherwood CC at Thousand Oaks in California, USA on December 12 with a $5 million purse at stake. At the “Star Wars,” which brings together the top 12 players available based on world ranking and four wild-card picks, Choi tied for the fifth place with three birdies and three bogeys to finish the day at even par.

Choi, whose wife is planning to deliver their third child, expressed self-confidence saying, “I was not acquainted with this course, and I regret three-putting twice. But if I am calm, I will play well.”

This day was so cold and windy that a saying “If you shot even par, you won the battle” came up. Under this circumstance, Choi played well, chasing the lone leader Davis Love III by two strokes. Ten out of the 16 players hit over par.

Choi, who started poorly on the par-4 first hole with a bogey, hit birdies on the par-4 fourth hole, par-3 9th hole, and par-5 11th hole to join the leading group. However, he putted unstably as he hit two bogeys and failing to lower his score.

Tournament host USA’s Tiger Woods made two eagles, three birdies, six bogeys and still wound up with a 71, tied with Kenny Perry and Justin Leonard (both USA).

Jong-Seok Kim kjs0123@donga.com