A Tight Schedule for Choi Kyung-ju

“Tank” Choi Kyung-ju (37, Nike Golf), who came back to Korea in one year, will play ten rounds in ten days. Before the 23rd Shinhan Donghae Open, where he will be playing four rounds, Choi practiced at the South Course at the Lake Side Country Club and participated in the Pro-Am Golf Tournament in Yongin, Gyeonggi. At the same course, Choi will take part in the Shinhan Card Skins Game from October 15, meaning that he is will play on the same course for seven days in a row.

From October 16, he will give lessons to child golfers at events held by his sponsors, including Nike Golf, Ssangyong Automobiles, and SC First Bank. He is happy to participate in these events even though he does not even have the time to visit his hometown of Wando, Jeonnam. He pleasantly surprised his sponsors with his attitude toward the active engagement of his fans.

He will also visit a military base near Seoul. The military asked if he would visit a base to help boost the morale of servicemen. The army even promised to give Choi a helicopter ride.

Choi is swamped with endorsements and invitations to golf championships due to his performance and manners. The CEO of the Choi’s management agency IMG Korea, Lee Jeong-han, said, “When endorsement deals, sponsorships, prize money, and others are combined, Choi is expected to earn some 10 million dollars next year.”

With two rounds complete, Choi is 5 under par and tied for first with Choi Gwang-su (Donga Pharmaceuticals) and Kang Uk-sun (Samsung Electronics). Kim Gyeong-tae, who is paired with Choi, recorded a 4 under par, good for a tie for fourth place with Kang Seong-hun (Shinhan Bank) and Park Bu-won, who suffers from diabetes.

kjs0123@donga.com