My spine gave me chills At that moment, Choi Kyung-ju, Park Sang-hyun's delightful tiki-taka (SK Telecom Open), a miracle island that I visited again a year later

May 14, 2025

My spine gave me chills At that moment, Choi Kyung-ju, Park Sang-hyun's delightful tiki-taka (SK Telecom Open), a miracle island that I visited again a year later



The SK Telecom Open (total prize money of 1.3 billion won and winning prize money of 260 million won) will be held at FinxGC-dong and Seocos (par 71.7326 yards) in Seogwipo, Jeju for four days from the 15th to the 18th. The rough area like a small island in the stream around the 18th hole (par 4) of the venue is called 'KJ CHOI Island'.

The historical venue that gave defending champion Choi Kyung-ju the oldest KPGA championship at the age of 54 a year ago.

It was the miracle of the 'KJ CHOI Island' that enabled SK Telecom to reach the top of the SK Telecom Open for the fourth time in 16 years since 2008, 16 years ago. In the first hole of overtime against Park Sang-hyun, a slightly missed second shot seemed to fall into the hazard around the green. But the ball was alive on a good rai right on the island, making a par save and continuing the game with a second extra-time to win the championship.




My spine gave me chills At that moment, Choi Kyung-ju, Park Sang-hyun's delightful tiki-taka (SK Telecom Open), a miracle island that I visited again a year later
At a press conference held a day before the first round, 'At that moment' made headlines a year ago.

When asked if he had been to the island again, Choi said, `I went there secretly during the talent sharing round. I was curious how the ball could stand there. When I looked again, it was such a small space that I couldn't swing. My spine gave me chills. I thought it was God's grace. Even if I tried to hit it on purpose, I wouldn't be able to hit it, but I didn't pray for it. "I won't hit it there this year." He said, drawing laughter.

My spine gave me chills At that moment, Choi Kyung-ju, Park Sang-hyun's delightful tiki-taka (SK Telecom Open), a miracle island that I visited again a year later
KJ CHOI Island', which gave Choi good luck, was bad luck for overtime loser Park Sang-hyun.




Park Sang-hyun, who attended the press conference with Choi Kyung-ju and Jang Yoo-bin, also revived the atmosphere by sublimating the unfortunate memories of 'KJ CHOI Island' into a witty joke.

Park Sang-hyun said with a sly look on his face when asked about his feelings and determination to participate in the competition. It's already been a year. I'll never forget the amazing memories I had last year," he said with a smile. Then "I've seen it this time, and should I play it? I thought about getting an address," he said with a smile.

Regarding the memory of the failed overtime birdie putt a year ago, Park Sang-hyun said, "I think I lacked a little faith in God."He received Choi Kyung-ju's words wittily and drew laughter from the audience once again. He said "I did my best in overtime, and I think I lacked not only skills but also a little more luck."




Park Sang-hyun misinterpreted the reporter's question of how to prevent Choi Kyung-ju from trying to win the oldest championship as his story and waved his hand, "(The oldest championship) is still a long way off." When asked once again, he said "It's because I'm so busy with the 18th hole, so please understand." and laughed again.
My spine gave me chills At that moment, Choi Kyung-ju, Park Sang-hyun's delightful tiki-taka (SK Telecom Open), a miracle island that I visited again a year later
The past is just a memory that is reflected in laughter. The players' eyes shone when asked about their determination and preparation for this tournament.

Choi Kyung-ju said, `Last year, I had a hard time due to my less waist turn, but this year, I returned home early, received back treatment, and rested, preparing for the competition in my spare time"This year, I'm trying to make and maintain a good physical condition to do well in rotation. The distance has increased, and we have solidly prepared for pitch changes, chipping, and putting that strengthen straightness"He showed his determination to win for the second consecutive time.

Park Sang-hyun, who has 12 wins, the most active KPGA victory in his career, said, `The SK Telecom Open is a total attendance competition that has never been missed. The first championship here is also a tournament that means a lot to me. "There is no pressure (from last year's overtime loss). I think it's my first time and I'm going to do well. Practice round shots are good, too. I'm looking forward to it as much as I've prepared a lot."
My spine gave me chills At that moment, Choi Kyung-ju, Park Sang-hyun's delightful tiki-taka (SK Telecom Open), a miracle island that I visited again a year later
Jang Yoo-bin, who has entered LIV Golf after winning six gold medals including the KPGA Grand Prize last year, said "I'm excited and excited because it's been a long time since the Korean match." I wanted to play well, so I took a break last week and tried to boost my sense of shot, short game, and putter, and fortunately, I think it came up. I think I can do well. "I want to learn a lot by playing with legendary seniors." He expressed his will to challenge for the championship.

Choi Kyung-ju and Park Sang-hyun, who have mixed memories of overtime a year ago, will play in the same group with Bae Yong-joon, the champion of last week's 'KPGA Classic' in the first round of the tournament, which begins on the 15th. It is expected that a shot match that cannot be conceded will take place from the first day.

Photo courtesy = KPGA



This article was translated by Naver AI translator.