Choi Kyoung-joo Places Third

Choi Kyoung-joo (34-year-old, Superior, TaylorMade) became the first Korean to finish in the “top 10” in a PGA major championship at the 2004 Masters.

At the final fourth round held at Augusta National GC (par 72), Georgia, U.S.A. on April 12, Choi performed well with a 3-under par and 69 strokes, finishing in sole third place with a total score of 6-under par. His score was three strokes behind the champion, Phil Mickelson (34-year-old, U.S.) who had a 9-under par and 279 strokes.

Choi was co-15th place in the Masters of last year, the first time he participated in it.

With this, Choi earned $442,000 (approximately 530 million won), and his earnings this season reached $943,251, nearing the million dollar mark.

Choi’s prize money is almost twice as much as what Park Ji-eun (Nike Golf) received ($240,000 dollars) for winning the Nabisco Championship, one of the LPGA tour’s major tournaments two weeks ago.

Choi will appear in his third consecutive tournament, including the Shell Houston Open, and will challenge for his second consecutive win at the 2004 SK Telecom Open, which starts on May 20 after returning to Korea.

Reporter Ahn Young-shik ysahn@donga.com