KJ Choi defeats David Toms in sudden death play-off at Players Championship
K.J. Choi par-equalled the first play-off hole against David Toms' bogey on Sunday to win the $9.5 million- Players Championship at Tournament Player Club Sawgrass. The South Korean banked on 600 FedEx points along with $1.71 million
and a crystal trophy.
The duo stepped onto the famed par-3 17th hole to settle score after being tied in regulation at 13-under par. David Toms teed off first and hit the green in regulation, adding pressure to the sudden death play-off match.
The American walked to the island green with the crowd clapping for him. The player dressed in yellow polo shirt unleash the putter out of his bag and rolled a putt towards the cup, but to his despise, the ball missed the cup and stopped three meters away.
To catch-up with the target, the player rolled another putt and once again missed it. Toms had to sign for a bogey and watch Choi take his turn.
Meanwhile, Choi hit a wedge onto the rough to target the green from a spot tangent to the cup. The player hit another wedge and hit the green in regulation, making way for a birdie. With pressure building up, the resident of Hidden
Hills rolled a putt for par and raised his arms into the air to celebrate his debut victory on 2011 PGA tour.
The winner in blue polo shirt shared a hug with the runner-up and walked towards the winner’s podium to lift the trophy.
When asked how he felt about the miraculous victory, Choi said, “I'm just very thankful to the Lord. It's Him that allowed me to win this tournament. The fan support was tremendous out there. I think the key thing for me today
was to because it was such a long day, to maintain my body and rhythm, to get enough rest in between, and stay patient and not give up. I prayed really hard all through the day, and I think that's why God was able to give me this great gift.”
Meanwhile Toms shaken by the aftermath left the course without sharing his views on his sudden loss and let Choi enjoy his debut Players Championship title.
Tags: