[Golf] Choi to Face Goosen at SK Telecom Open

As part of the KPGA and Asian tours, the SK Telecom Open will open today at Incheon Sky 72 Golf Club. The KPGA has held championships in China and Japan but is now hosting its first in Korea.

World number six K.J. Choi is a frequent competitor at the SK Telecom Open, having won in 2003 and 2005. Arriving in Korea Tuesday, he said, “I did not do well in the Masters, but hit my drives the way I wanted to. I am anticipating a good result this time.”

Also to play is Retief Goosen of South Africa, who won the U.S. Open in 2001 and 2004. Goosen will pose the biggest challenge to Choi.

Among domestic golfers, defending champion Bae Sang-mun will seek to add to his KEB Invitational win. Kim Gyeong-tae grabbed most of the domestic titles last year, but is aiming to break out of his slump in this tournament.

why@donga.com