Tank Cruising at Shinhan Donghae Open

“I was amazed at his deep rough shot, which stopped the ball right on the green. I have learned so much.”

Rookie Kim Gyeong-tae (21, Shinhan Bank) finished his first round with golfer Tank Choi yesterday and unstintingly expressed his respect.

Choi Kyung-ju (37, Nike Golf), known as “Tank,” encouraged his junior, saying, “He seemed better than me in the short game and putting. If he learns to apply his weight to his shots, he could be playing anywhere.”

The two were paired October 11 for the first round of the 23rd Shinhan Donghae Open held at the South Course of Lakeside Golf Course (Par 72, 7544 yards) in Yongin City, Gyeonggi Province.

This year, Tank had a banner year, winning two majors on the U.S. PGA, placing him fifth on the money list. At the Shinhan Donghae, he notched an eagle, 6 birdies and 2 bogeys, which was enough to put him in the lead.

Tank finished the front nine at one under par, and aggressively lowered his score down the stretch. On the eleventh hole (Par 5), he placed the ball 1 meter from the cup with a bunker shot that earned him a birdie. He also added a birdie on the 13th hole.

At the 14th hole (Par 5), luck smiled at him. Choi’s initial driver shot bent to the left, bounced onto the golf cart path, and ended up in the rough. Choi then put the ball on the green with a 4 iron 192-yard shot. Then he dropped an eagle putt into the hole.

He recorded his second bogey of the day on the 15th hole (Par 3), but finished his round off with two consecutive birdies on the 17th and the 18th.

Choi Kyung-ju said, “I expected to be two or three under par, but I pulled through more than I had expected. By maintaining today’s pace, I will repay the support and interest displayed by the fans.”

Kim Gyeong-tae recovered his putting finesse toward the end of the round, scoring a 69 (three under par) that tied him with golfer Lee Seung-man (Taylor Made) and Choi Sang-ho (Kasco) who played with Kim. Seok Jong-yul (Callaway) and Ahn Ju-hwan (Taylor Made) both scored 67s on the day.

Jim Furyk (U.S.), ranked third in the world, scored a disappointing 1 over par.

kjs0123@donga.com