KJ Choi overcame a nervy start to win the first senior major of his career at the Senior Open Championship on a thrilling final day in Carnoustie.
The Korean held a one shot lead heading into the final round but three bogeys in his first six holes saw him surrender his advantage to Richard Green.
The former world number five, eight time PGA Tour winner and PLAYERS Champion used all of that experience to bounce back with two successive birdies on the 9th and 10th which kickstarted a blistering run as he seized the initiative.
Choi followed up with back-to-back birdies on the 12th and 13th before an eagle on the par-5 14th saw him march back in front. Now four shots clear heading up the 72nd hole he was able to afford a bogey.
“It’s unbelievable, today’s game. I have all this week I pray,” said the 54-year-old.
“Either way starting very nervous and some speed and difference and three bogeys after six. Still keep attention and pray. A little more, I feel more better working, there’s more fire and the swing is more comfortable.
“Before then in the bad start, or worse, but today is a little different feel and after 7, 8, a little more better, and then No. 9 is starting birdie. Okay.. so keep patient today.
“So we don’t know. Yesterday we said birdie — one bogey, two double-bogey and over-par finish. Even today, a couple under par finish in the best scenario. I’m so great, and I’m hitting well and putting is really more focused.
“Back-to-back birdies on 9 and 10. That’s why momentum today.”
Carnoustie has been dubbed ‘Carnastie’ for its unforgiving and penal nature but Choi managed to roll in twenty two birdies and a pair of eagles, but most importantly he felt his patient approach where he deliberately tried to avoid taking on any fairway bunkers off the tee was the key.
“This week, interesting is putting, is inside 20-foot, I make it. That’s why scoring good.
“Inside the five feet is not great today. That’s why when I shot a little long, or too short, I’m focusing. I’m very impressed, this week, putting is surprising, played well. Every one, it’s very difficult, fighting the wind and the bunkers, it’s not enjoyable. But patient every hole.
“So nervous in the final, either way, every day, but I pray a lot, please, be patience.”
