Korean golfer KJ Choi will compete in the New Zealand Men's Open in Queenstown next year.
Korean golfer KJ Choi. Photo: 2008 Matthew Impey
The 47-year-old, one of the top 25 all-time money earners in professional golf, joins defending champion Michael Hendry and fellow Kiwis Ryan Fox, Tim Wilkinson and Steven Alker, among the first to confirm for the tournament held in March.
Choi has won 20 professional tournaments worldwide, including eight on the PGA Tour, his last win came in 2012 on the Korean Tour.
The Korean was once the seventh best ranked golfer in the world, spending 40 weeks in total in the top 10, however currently sits 567th in the world.
His greatest achievement was his win at the 2011 Players Championship, golf's unofficial fifth major. He also has six top 10 finishes in majors including a third place finish at the 2004 Masters.
"I visited New Zealand as part of a winter training group in 1995 and I remember the beautiful trees on the golf course. I can't believe it's already been 21 years. I'm very excited and can't wait to play in front of the New Zealand golf fans," Choi said.
"I'm motivated to continue playing because of the fans. This is my 19th season on the PGA Tour and 25th year playing professional golf. I certainly would not have achieved what I have been able to do without the fan support. Knowing this I've always tried to repay the fans by playing my best out on the golf course.
"It will certainly be nice to play well and possibly be in a position to win in New Zealand."
-RNZ
