THE SENIOR OPEN PRESENTED BY ROLEX

July 28, 2024

K.J. Choi

Carnoustie Golf Links

Quick Quotes

Q. How does it feel to be the Senior Open Champion?

K.J. CHOI: Yeah, I have all these -- so happy for this week. Everyone supported and we share it. Carnoustie, very good. Very difficult to maintain on the golf course, as player, more hard. This week, fight. My putting better this week. Control the irons.

Q. It was a difficult start to the day. What was your feeling through the first six holes?

K.J. CHOI: I really want it, champion, because my dream come true. For player from Korea, is always open watch on TV. Today's final round, after six holes, three-over par, very difficult for me.

But after 7, 8, 9, a little bit swing better pray, more comfortable. Either way is good or bad, just, okay, so my mindset is free, let's go. I'm hitting No. 9, second shot, 215, 5-iron, is inside ten feet. I make it birdie.

After that, 10, 12, 14, birdie, eagle 14 is a big, big momentum. Today is very good moment with patience and then waiting, and then in the last group.

Q. On 13 and 14, what clubs did you hit?

K.J. CHOI: Last few days, always left side in the bunker or some pulling. Set up to a little bit right side frees. So little bit stays left and cut it because right-to-left wind too much. We can shorter the right side. But, okay, not much windy. So straight cut but still wind pushing left in bunker. Last two days, more right aim to hit it.

Today is a perfect shot in the right bunker. 235 downwind, 5-iron. So carry bunker, 195, is very important. My 5-iron is 195.

So my step is 12 step, so almost 35 feet hitting in center of the cup. Very exciting to putt eagle.

Q. You've had a fantastic life. Why did you come into golf?

K.J. CHOI: My golf starting is very interesting. High school teacher, saying, how -- of five guys, I'm first ever to hit it so good. And then 1986, I study more and myself I'm hitting more better. More practicing, practicing and just stay golf, then more pro and tour pro, PGA TOUR, Champions Tour. So almost 46, 47 years -- 37 years. I'm very happy for my life. If everyone can pray a lot -- very historical for Korean player to win this .