SCORES & STANDINGS

November 21st 2013, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia: Korean star K.J. Choi was rewarded for his patience as an opening four-under-par 67 put him one shot behind co-leaders Thomas Bjorn of Denmark and American Kevin Streelman at the US$8 million ISPS HANDA World Cup of Golf on Thursday.

The 43-year-old , who is an Asian Tour honorary member and eight-time winner on the PGA Tour, missed a short par putt on the 18th green at the Royal Melbourne Golf Club to settle for a share of third place in the individual category which is offering US$7 million in prize money.

With countryman Bae Sang-moon struggling with a homeward 40 and a 74, Korea was placed tied fourth in the team category with a combined first round 141, four shots behind American duo Streelman and Matt Kuchar.

Choi’s best finish at the World Cup was a tied third outing with Hur Suk-ho back in 2002 and the Korean, who is one of Asia’s most successful golfers, is aiming to lift the individual and team titles at the World Cup whose past winners include many of the game’s great names.

Six birdies and two bogeys gave him the perfect start at the magnificent Royal Melbourne which yielded only 13 under-par rounds.

“My goal today was a couple under par which would have been very good but four under par, I’m so very impressed,” said Choi, who needed 28 putts throughout his round.

“Today, I was more patient on the greens and aimed for two putts but the last hole bogey is very unusual, just (missed by) one inch. I’m happy.”

Likening the slick greens here to the putting surfaces at Augusta National Golf Club, which hosts the Masters Tournament, Choi said he felt right at home at Royal Melbourne, which is one of Australia’s most famous sandbelt golf courses.

“It’s similar compared to Augusta. The side putts is pretty difficult too and its contour is pretty difficult but I like fast green,” said Choi.

Bae turned in 34 with an eagle on his second hole but stumbled home with four bogeys. Choi said he was more determined to guide Korea to the team title at the ISPS HANDA World Cup of Golf instead of chasing individual glory.

“As I’m representing Korea, it is more important for me that team Korea wins. But you never know,” he said.