K.J.Choi thrashes the course record to grab lead at AT&T National on PGA Tour
As overnight leaders Hunter Haas and Adam Scott watched their lead dissolve with early bogeys and K.J. Choi shooting a record thrashing six-under, 64, another PGA event, the AT&T National, is probably heading towards a non-American victory.
The Players Championship winner seems to be pulling all the right cards to overtake the field at the $6.2-million event on one of the most difficult par-70 course on the tour.
Choi had a less fortunate opening day when he stumbled with two bogeys to fall behind the leaders but a careful recollection of the first day’s event made him slightly alter his strategy. His round of 64 is the lowest on Aronimink Golf Club. Choi is also
the winner of 2007 episode of the event.
“So very happy today at 6-under par, and a total of 7 is very good. Past champion in 2007, I have good memory, and the Tiger Foundation tournament and everything. So far very good field. I've tried my best for two days,” said Choi.
The burly South Korean has been on a trailblazing tour around the world and is often said to be traveling on the weekdays and playing on the weekends. Choi took off for his home country the very next day he bagged the trophy at TPC Sawgrass and participated
in the Ballantines Championship. He returned for the US Open and was left feeling a little drowsy with severe jet lag.
“I went from TPC, Korea, Byron Nelson, Memorial, then like five days off and then U.S. Open. So it was more jet lag more than anything,” he added.
Choi carded seven birdies, most of them coming on the front nine, and dropped just one shot to grab the lead.
Four players Charlie Wi, Chris Riley, Justin Leonard, and Bo Van Pelt are tied for the second spot, two shots behind the leader. Australian Scott had a disappointing day when he fell for a one-over, 71 to let go of his hard-earned first round lead.
Haas dropped further down the leaderboard with his score of four-over, 74. He is now even par after losing all the points he gained in the opening round.
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