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KJ Choi hoping practice makes perfect

South Korean KJ Choi has struggled to maintain consistent form this season but is pinning his hopes on straight driving and a solid short game to help him flourish at this week’s British Open.

A seven-times winner on the PGA Tour, Choi has endured a difficult year on the U.S. circuit, recording just one top-10 finish and missing the cut five times in 15 starts.

“My focus in practice here has been on tee shots,” the 39-year-old son of a rice farmer told Reuters before Thursday’s opening round on Turnberry’s Ailsa course.

“It is difficult with the wind frequently changing. There are many big bunkers … and every shot is challenging but I like it.

“I also have (been) working hard on hitting low shots and on my putting because (it’s difficult when) the wind changes quickly,” added Choi, whose world ranking has slipped from a career-high fifth early last year to 49th.

“The greenside chipping is tricky. Some (chips) skip on because of the hard ground and some don’t. I have been working a lot from 57 yards in. (Whoever is best) from the greenside with chipping and bunker (play) will do well here.”

Choi, who tied for 16th in last year’s British Open at Royal Birkdale, launches his bid to become the first Asian winner of a men’s major when he tees off at 1320 local (1220 GMT).

The Korean will partner 2007 U.S. Masters champion Zach Johnson and 2010 European Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie in a high-profile grouping.

“I’m hoping for good weather and no wind,” Choi said with a smile. “If everything goes well, I have a good chance.”

The muscular Korean, who earned the nickname “Tank” from his days as a teenage powerlifter, has been widely regarded as Asia’s likeliest major winner for the last three years.

Victory at the 2008 Sony Open in Hawaii cemented his place among the game’s elite as he joined heavyweights Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Vijay Singh as the only players on the PGA Tour with victories for at least four consecutive seasons.

“It was all through hard work and all I can do right now is just try my best,” said Choi, speaking through an interpreter.

“There are a lot of improvements that I need to make and all I can say is I’ll just keep on trying my best.”

July 16, 2009