Tiger holes out from the bunker for an eagle on no. 6

On a calm and mostly cloudy day with delectable conditions, nineteen players shot five-under or better, with K.J. Choi and defending champion Brandt Snedeker firing a pair of seven-under 65s to take a share of the first round lead at the Farmers Insurance Open.

Not a knock to Brandt at all, but K.J.’s was probably more impressive since he played the South Course, the harder of the two tracks.  (continue reading…)

Notah and his little bro

Well, no ones cares about the atmosphere on Wednesday at the Deutsche Bank Championship and other interesting tidbits, aka gossip on the range. like the handful of Americans who have one last week to make a case and impress Team USA captain Davis Love III before he announces his four wildcard picks on Tuesday morning… right?

Okay, that’s what I thought, but in case you do, the short version: pretty chill and most relaxed and friendly I’ve seen it in months, with the exception of the half-dozen guys who are freaking out about making the Ryder Cup. (continue reading…)

Wednesday evening sky

After the thunderstorms finally passed on Wednesday afternoon at Kiawah Island, players scrambled to practice — it’s been difficult because of the multiple weather delays Monday-Wednesday.

I walked the back nine with K.J. Choi, Charlie Wi and Aaron Baddeley (appreciate it, guys!)the best way to get to know a course. I took pictures of all the holes from the tees. I’ve done my best to upload as many as I can in the gallery below, but I’ll put the rest on Flickr and/or Facebook.

I also took a few videos, too. Here’s one of Aaron Baddeley showing Charlie Wi how to hit a wedge out of the deep rough…watch and learn, folks.

(continue reading…)

Choi shot 65 in the final round at Kapalua to surge up the leaderboard in the top-5

After finishing his practice session last week at Kapalua, K.J. Choi was kind (and patient) enough to take some time and chat with me for a solid half-hour (which to be fair, is more like 15 minutes because my questions and his answers are repeated via his interpreter/manager). Something people don’t know about K.J. (because he looks serious on the golf course) — he has a fantastic sense of humor, often cracking jokes (and yes, in English!). When the interview ended, he joked that we talked for so long he saw the moon rise and move across the tree line. I blamed his interpreter/manager, naturally. (continue reading…)

Thanks for believing in me! I love you, man!

As 2011 has ended and the 2012 season officially starts tomorrow, we’re (still) taking an obligatory look at the winners and losers of 2011. First, we reviewed the best shots. Then, we cringed through the greatest meltdowns. We also checked out some players who were considered overachievers. Next, we took a gander at those who had the most disappointing seasons, along with the most notable Tiger moments.

To cap off a look back at an incredible 2011, we’ll go through some of the best feel-good stories — which is my personal favorite because believe it or not, I’m a huge sucker for sap (I just don’t like to admit to it usually). Here we go in no particular order… (continue reading…)

Tiger's in driver's seat, no hydrants in sight

Tiger Woods fired a five-under 67 on Friday to take a three-shot lead over K.J. Choi and Matt Kuchar at the halfway mark at the Chevron World Challenge, the limited field, money-grab event that benefits his foundation. It’s the second stroke play tournament in a row where Tiger has been atop the leaderboard through 36 holes.

Last month at the Australian Open, he had a one-shot advantage going into the weekend, but shot a third-round 75 and bounced back the last day to place third. (continue reading…)

Tiger and Stricks: Adorable!

K.J. Choi didn’t waste any time in the first round of the Chevron World Challenge, firing off five birdies in the first five holes — just before the Santa Ana winds let loose at Sherwood Country Club. Tiger Woods picked up where he left off in the Down Under, starting strong by rolling in four birdies in the first five, as well. Then, the conditions toughened and the comfortable breeze turned into swirling gusts up to 30mph, throwing Tiger off his game a bit. (continue reading…)

My favorite moment(s): Ernie hugging Ryo after Ryo made clutch putts

Entering the third session, the USA led the Internationals 7-5, which might have surprised quite a few people (including myself because of the emphasis on the Australian-loaded team being familiar with Royal Melbourne). Well, it might not have been pretty, but the Americans have shown their grit, dominating in the Saturday morning foursomes and increasing their advantage to 11-6. The Internationals lost all but one match — the young Ryo Ishikawa and the elder Ernie Els finally won their first point, beating Bill Haas and Matt Kuchar. (continue reading…)

Playing alongside his ex-caddie was the least of Tiger Woods' worries in his opening round at the President's Cup.

Steve Stricker and Tiger Woods looked defenseless against the resilient International tandem of Adam Scott and K.J. Choi in the opening match of the President’s Cup at Royal Melbourne Golf Course.

The beat-down was non-stop and the International Team needed just 12 holes to close the door on the Americans, 7&6. (continue reading…)

Eye on the prize

After the Presidents Cup opening ceremony on Wednesday, PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem held a press conference with the three South Koreans on the Internationals team: K.J. Choi, K.T. Kim and Y.E. Yang sitting beside him. Finchem announced that South Korea will host the Presidents Cup in 2015 at an undetermined venue, marking the first time the event has been held in Asia and highlighting the golf boom in the region. (continue reading…)