BALLANTINE'S CHAMPIONSHIP RELATED STORIES Ballantine's Championship home page Ballantine's Championship Preview Round 1: Ilonen and Carolan lead the way on 67 Round 2: McDowell heads Jeev for clubhouse lead Round 2: McDowell leads Jeev by two at halfway Round 3: Jeev and McDowell build four shot lead Round 4: McDowell downs Jeev in playoff Final Scores & Prize Money Order of Merit after the Ballantine's Ch'ship About the Pinx Golf Club course Choi is out to impress on home soil Local hero Yang looking for strong support Harrington expects strong Korean challenge Prom looking for repeat of Korean success Wind will play a big role in Jeju, says Ho Choi predicts big impact on Korean golf Asia and Europe's finest to face off at Ballantine's Revamped Pinx course to challenge world's best Yang and DiMarco line up for Ballantine's Ballantine's boost for golf in Korea "Awesome experience" awaits Anthony Kim in Korea Kim Young Kyu to face reality of Tour golf Stellar field for Ballantine's Korea to include Choi AT schedule boosted by Korean and Indian events Full details of the Pinx Golf Club in Jeju ASIAN GOLF TODAY TOP STORIES Bae clinches home win Tanihara takes Panasonic title Su Dong's lead cut to two Hole-in-One Jeev shares the lead Korea, Philippines, Italy for World Cup Lu wins record 4th Taiwan Masters Aussie PGA rethinks 'One Asia' GOLF TODAY TOP STORIES Fred Couples to enlist some unusual help Paula Creamer seeking another home town win Jay Haas on brink of another senior money title Justin Leonard looking to break Texas Open record Father & Son event sign up with Sky Sports

 Choi predicts big impact on Korean golf

KJ Choi is predicting this week’s historic Ballantine’s Championship will have a massive impact on golf in his native Korea – both on and off the fairways.

The world No.5 has flown back from his base in the United States to star in the €2 million (US$2.9 million) showpiece – the first European Tour event to be held in Korea.

“I’m not an economist but I feel this tournament is going to have a significant impact, not only on the local economy but also on Korean golf in general,” said Choi.

“The fact that a European Tour event of this calibre is being held in Korea is very big news for this country and I’m thankful that Ballantine’s has decided to hold a tournament here.

“It’s going to provide a foundation for Korean golf to move on to the world stage and it will open a lot of doors for all the professional players in Korea who are striving to make their way in the game.”

Choi – a seven-time winner on the PGA Tour – and British Open champion Padraig Harrington are headlining a stellar field at the Ballantine’s Championship.

The tournament tees off on Thursday at Pinx Golf Club on the picturesque island of Jeju.

Harrington, the world No.10, has a liking for Asia, having previously won titles in Taiwan and Hong Kong.

A strong American challenge will come from Chris DiMarco – a three-time runner-up in Majors – and fast-rising star Anthony Kim, who has six top-10 finishes on the PGA Tour.

Ryder Cup stars Thomas Björn and Paul McGinley and Japanese ace Shingo Katayama are also in the line-up.

Choi enjoys superstar status in Korea but insisted he had never set out to be so famous.

“I feel awkward being called a hero because I don’t consider myself to be one,” he told reporters at Pinx.

“I never intended it to be like this, it just happened. I worked hard at my golf every day and took the sport very seriously, and it’s all that hard work that has got me to where I am.”

He denied he would be under extra pressure playing in front of his home fans. “I’m comfortable with all the support I receive when I play in Korea,” he said. “I enjoy the atmosphere and I like to show fans how my game has changed.

“With this level of support I can have fun on the golf course without worrying too much about the result. I think if you are having fun, then you tend to play well.”

Fans at Pinx will also be expected to show their backing for Choi’s compatriots, Yang Yong Eun and SK Ho.

Yang became a household name in Korea when he claimed a stunning victory ahead of world No.1 Tiger Woods in the HSBC Champions in Shanghai 15 months ago. Ho, meanwhile, is a nine-time winner in Japan.

The Ballantine’s Championship, promoted by Parallel Media Group, is co-sanctioned by the European and Asian Tours and the Korea PGA.

The KPGA has been allotted 25 places in the 132-strong starting field, meaning rising Korean professionals are being given an unprecedented chance to gain valuable experience on the big stage.

March 10, 2008