Tank Reloads
By Kang Seung-woo
Staff Reporter
Struggling Choi Kyoung-ju is looking to rebound and win his second PGA Tour event of the year at the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial, which will be held this week in Fort Worth, Texas.
The South Korean golfer, who turned 38 on Monday, won the Sony Open, the second tournament of the season, in January. But he does not have a top-10 finish since the Match Play Championship in February.
In addition, Choi has been quiet in the past two competitions, the Masters and the Players Championship, ranking 41st and missing the cut. The Players cut-off was his second of the season, following the Buick Invitational in January.
The righty-swinger's name dropped in the lists of world rankings and money prize. After earlier strides, Choi's world ranking jumped to a career-high fifth, but now he is eighth while placing at 11th in the prize.
The seven-time PGA Tour winner has appeared at the Colonial four times since his debut in 2000 and had three top-25 finishes, with ties for 24th in 2007, 17th in 2006, 21st in 2005 and 66th in 2002.
A win in Texas, where Choi resides, could spur him on for upcoming competitions.
Next week, he will attempt to defend his title at the Memorial Tournament in Dublin, Ohio, and he will participate in the U.S. Open in San Diego, Calif., in two weeks.
This week's tournament will provide a top-talent field along with Choi.
World No. 2 Phil Mickelson of the United States headlines the list and two other top-10 American golfers ― No. 5 Steve Stricker and No. 7 Jim Furyk ― will accompany lefty-swinging Mickelson.
Other notables on the list are Anthony Kim, who won the Wachovia Championship, defending champion Rory Sabbatini and Verizon Heritage winner Boo Weekley.
The competition includes several South Koreans, such as Yang Yong-eun, Kevin Na and Charlie Wi.