K.J. Choi must like a big room.
Host Tiger Woods handed the AT&T National trophy to the South Korean Sunday, just five weeks after the latter took Jack Nicklaus’ Memorial. Ironically, Choi missed the cut in his only tournament in between. There’s something about chasing the greats the inspires Choi’s best golf.
“I’m just shocked at myself for winning Jack and Tiger’s tournaments,” he said. “This week’s trophy is a lot heavier.”
Indeed, the National has instantly become a heavyweight event on the PGATour that should end any speculation over moving in 2009 when Congressional Country Club is unavailable. With Ocean City beach-like crowds following the leaders on a blistering-hot day, the first-year tournament drew 139,389 over six days — including two 39,000-plus weekend crowds that exceeded the U.S. Open final — making it unchallengable.
“It felt like a mini-major,” said runner-up Steve Stricker.
Said Woods, who finished tied for sixth, “It’s been a perfect week. This tournament in general has been a bigger success than I think any one of us could have imagined.”
Actually, the final day could have used a little more drama. Choi’s victory seemed sealed with three holes remaining after a remarkable two-shot turnaround on No. 15. Choi’s birdie followed former leader Steve Stricker’s bogey to suddenly give the former a two-shot edge.
Indeed, none of the top contenders played well aside Choi. Third-round leader Stuart Appleby quickly lost five shots on the opening nine holes, Stricker fumbled the lead with consecutive late bogeys. Woods’ 70 required birdieing the last two holes.
Choi deserved the win, though. His bunker shot for birdie on No. 17 was spectacular, bringing a pumped fist from the normally-reserved golfer. It was the only question he answered in English during the post-tournament press conference.
“It surprised me,” he said of the sand-to-hole shot. “All I was trying to do was save par.”
Choi is bigger than Tiger in Korea after six PGA Tour victories. Yet, there’s one more goal for the 37-year old who only joined the Tour in 2002.
“That’s my life goal, to become the first Asian to win a major,” he said.
Maybe it would help if Arnold Palmer hosted one of them.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Contact him at [email protected].
