Garcia in Korean Open

“Tank” Choi Kyung-joo (32) is facing Garcia, the rising star in Europe (22, Spain) in the upcoming Kolon Korea Open (total 500,000,000 won for awards).

FnC Kolon, the host of the game that is a national title match, announced on August 1, 2002, “We cut a special deal with both of them for their participation.”

This would be the second visit of Garcia to Korea since the SBS Invitational in November, 2000, which was not an official tournament. Thus this will be his first participation in an official tournament held in Korea.

Garcia debuted as a pro golfer in 1999. Then he won 7 championships in Europe as well as in US. In 2000, he defeated Woods by one hole and got to earn himself a nickname “Woods-killer.”

So far, he has not won a major tournament yet. But he has participated in many tours in Europe and US, and proved he is a big shot with 5th in the world’s ranking.

Last year, the host paid more than $200,000 to an English golfer who was already over the hill at that time. Thus, Garcia would probably receive for his participation much more than that amount.

FnC Kolon originally intended to also invite the champion of this year’s British Open. But the sponsor Omega exercised their privilege as his sponsor and, thus, he will go to the Swiss Omega Open sponsored also by Omega.

Other than Garcia, among the invited are Australia’s hope Adam Scott and Choi Kyung-joo who won the US PGA Tour for the first time as a Korean this year.

Also many domestic top players will join in this tournament, which serves also as the official tournament of the Asia PGA Tour. For example, Kim Dae-sup, Choi Kwang-soo, Kang wook-soon and Wee Chang-soo will participate.

The Kolon Korea Open will match a major international game in size, getting many golf fans excited. The tournament will be held at a new course in Hanyang CC (par-72), 72 holes straight. In addition, the domestically rare grandstand for 1000 visitors and pavilion for the VIP will be constructed. Furthermore, a local radio station within the course will be run.

Young-Sik Ahn ysahn@donga.com