Even after the match concluded, the gallery at Jeju Pinx Golf Club (Par 71, 7326 yards) couldn’t pull themselves away from the 18th hole (Par 4, 490 yards). In the creek beside the green was a tiny island with a 2-meter-wide and 1.5-meter-long small patch of grass, which became a popular photo spot. A middle-aged man exclaimed, “Wow,” as he swung his umbrella in the air.
On May. 19., South Korean golfer Choi Kyung-ju celebrated his 54th birthday, coinciding with the final round of the SK Telecom Open 2024 (offering a total prize of 1.3 billion won) on the Korean Professional Golf (KPGA) Tour. Starting the day with a five-stroke lead, Choi ended with two birdies and five bogeys, finishing at 3-under par 281. Park Sang-hyun (41), who had been seven shots behind Choi after the third round, managed to catch up and tie for the lead.
The extended play continued on the 18th hole. Choi’s second shot found its way into the creek beside the green. As everyone assumed the game was over, sudden cheers erupted in the crowd. The ball had miraculously landed on a small grassy island in the creek, bouncing once before settling. It was sheer luck. “That is Wando Island, Wando Island!” people shouted, referring to Choi’s hometown in Jeollanam-do. Standing on the tiny island, Choi struck a 59-degree wedge shot that rolled near the hole, securing a dramatic par and advancing the match to a second overtime round.
Before starting the second round, Choi, a devout Christian, prayed earnestly, “I really want to win.” He hit the tee shot with full determination, sending the ball approximately 50 yards farther than before. Choosing a 5-iron instead of a wood for his second shot, Choi landed the ball on the green and made par, while Park Sang-hyun bogeyed. “I wouldn’t put the ball in that position with my hand,” Choi explained, “The ball had just landed on that small grassy little island, and I can’t exactly describe it.”
With this victory, Choi set a new KPGA Tour record for the oldest winner in 19 years, breaking the previous record of 50 years, 4 months, and 25 days set by Choi Sang-ho (69) at the KT&G Maekyung Open in 2005. This marked his 17th career KPGA Tour title, his first in 11 years and 7 months. Choi had previously won eight titles on the U.S. Professional Golf (PGA) Tour from 2002 to 2011 and has been competing on the PGA Champions Tour for players aged 50 and over since 2020, winning once in 2021. This year, he made his 22nd appearance in the 27th edition of the SK Telecom Open and secured his fourth win (2003-2005-2008-2024), each time on a different course.
During this tournament, Choi had the lowest average driving distance (139th) at 257.2 yards (measured in rounds 1-2 only) but ranked first in green percentage (69.4%) and 16th in average putts made (1.76). While younger players struggled with the hard greens, tricky pin placements, and shifting winds, Choi excelled.
Although past his prime, Choi remains determined. He has given up alcohol, soda, and coffee and still practices by hitting 500 balls a day. “You need to stop drinking and get good sleep. Avoid anything that poisons your body, and do cardio and stretching,” he advises. “When I was younger, I could stretch for 15 minutes and be fine, but now I need 40 minutes of stretching and still feel sore.”
Reflecting on his victory, Choi said, “When I won before, I didn’t feel this way. I was young and thought I was good. This win will definitely change my life.” He is set to leave for the U.S. on the 20th to compete in the Senior PGA Championship, which begins on Mar. 23. Choi has named the tiny island that miraculously held his ball “K J CHOI Island.” “I will never forget that little island for the rest of my life.”
