KJ Choi’s psychology

The first hole of a sudden-death playoff in golf can be decisive. In sudden death, play ends as soon as a competitor wins at a hole. K.J. "Tank" Choi reserved a putt on the 24-meter (80-foot) slope. David Toms put the ball five meters (17 feet) from the hole then missed a short par putt and committed a bogey, missing the 90-centimeter (3.5-foot) par putt. Choi two-putted for par to claim the biggest win of his career.

Sawgrass Country Club at Ponte Vedra Beach in Jacksonville, Florida, has special meaning for Choi. When he first arrived in the U.S. in 1999, he got a house 30 minutes away from the club and played a few rounds of golf for practice there. After winning the Players Championship, he said in an interview, “"For me to shoot under par every day on this course this week, it`s like a miracle, to be honest with you."

Putting in golf is said to be psychological. A golfer is more likely to sink his or her shot when relaxed and confident. Choi`s familiarity with the golf club must have helped him feel easy. A devout Christian, he said after his victory, "I prayed really hard all through the day, and I think that`s why God was able to give me this great gift." Having faith can enhance confidence in putting. Also helpful in his victory was probably his three straight top-10 finishes in tournaments.

Choi`s win was his first in 40 months since the 2008 Sony Open. Though the Players Championship is not considered among the four major PGA tournaments, the prize money is no less than those of the four. Top-ranked PGA golfers and recent PGA winners compete in the Players. Choi`s victory was the result of his endless efforts to challenge himself and perseverance under any disadvantageous circumstances. Not giving up or staying complacent with his seven wins at PGA tour, he has kept cultivating his talent and skills. This victory was surely the result of perspiration and tears, not just a miracle.

Editorial Writer Chung Sung-hee (shchung@donga.com)