Golfer K.J. Choi Wins Sony Open

A strong wind slowed the "Korean tank" K.J. Choi in his impressive performance spanning three days.

His shots were occasionally affected by a Hawaiian gust of wind, but he remained formidable. Choi won his first victory of the season, but more importantly showed toughness under pressure.

Choi finished at 14-under par in the PGA Tour Sony Open after shooting a 1-over 71 in yesterday’s final round. He had one birdie and two bogeys at the Waialae Country Club in Honolulu to win his seventh career PGA Tour victory.

Choi had his first bogey on the fourth hole and missed a par putt on the 13th. Rory Sabbatini of South Africa, whose nickname is "braggart," caught up with leader Choi to trail only two shots instead of six the day before.

Sabbatini finished the round at par after missing an eagle putt on the 18th hole. Choi won the round with a birdie on the same hole.

Choi said the strong wind made it difficult, but that patience brought him victory.

He had finished 28th in the Mercedes-Benz Championship, the first tournament of the season. The win at the Sony Open earned Choi 4,500 points, giving him the top spot in the FedExCup with 4,681 points.

Choi won 936,000 dollars in prize money, surpassing one million dollars after only two tournaments, the fastest in his career. He ranks second in earnings this season to Daniel Chopra.

Kevin Na missed three shots early, but an eagle on the 18th hole earned him fourth place at eight under par-272. He finished in the top 10 for the first time in 15 tournaments.

Yang Yong-eun made a successful PGA debut this season, finishing 20th at four under par-276.

why@donga.com