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Choi aims to "claw" his way back into form

KJ Choi is hell-bent at clawing his way back into the major frame at the British Open starting on Thursday.

The 35-year-old, hailed as the Asian most likely to win a major, has suffered a dip in form of late but the Korean strongman is confident of turning his fortunes around at sun-baked Royal Liverpool this week.

"I feel like this could be a good tournament. My condition feels good and I'm looking for a good start tomorrow," said Choi, who is a three-time winner on the US PGA Tour.

"Compared with the two majors earlier this year, I feel a lot more confident with my game. The difficulties that I have had in the past, I feel I like I have overcome them."

A recent revamp of his golf swing has taken time to adjust but he believes the jigsaw is falling into place. He also switched to "The Claw" putting grip which has given him added confidence on the greens.

Choi is desperate to make an impression at Royal Liverpool as he missed the cut in the opening two majors of the year at the Masters and US Open. He wrapped up his final practice round today by playing with major champions Fred Couples and Davis Love III.

"My golf swing has come together and I feel my short game has improved. In time, I should have some good results.

"I was introduced to "The Claw" grip two years ago but this will only be the third tournament that I'll be using this grip for my putting. Previously, I felt like my right hand was coming over during the putting stroke with the normal grip but this new grip eliminates that. The roll of the ball is good and true and I can judge the distances a lot better," said Choi.

The son of a rice farmer in Wando, Korea, Choi is an inspiration to many Asian players. After cutting his professional teeth on the Asian Tour, he earned his playing rights on the US PGA Tour and has been a regular feature in the world's top-50 before slipping into 51st place in the latest ranking.

He displayed his major pedigree at the Masters in 2004, finishing third at Augusta National while his best finish at the British Open is a tie for 16th place at Royal Troon two years ago.

"The course is in good shape. It's very firm and the greens will be tough. You'll have to leave your shots well clear of the fairway bunkers and it will be important for your course management to be 100 per cent," said Choi.

July 19, 2006