THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
SEOUL, South Korea — K.J. Choi won the CJ Invitational, an event that he hosted, by two shots on Sunday after posting a final round 5-under 67 to finish with a 17-under total of 271.
The 14th-ranked South Korean started the day in third place and delighted local fans at the Haesley Nine Bridges Golf Club by edging compatriot Noh Seung-yeol who carded a 6-under 66 for a 15-under total of 273.
Choi said that hosting the tournament helped him win.
"I had so much things going on. I didn’t really think about the win. I was busy looking after the players and taking care of the sponsors," Choi said. "Probably the fact that I wasn’t thinking about the tournament helped me feel at ease. The way it turned out, I’m happy to be the inaugural champion even though I am hosting this event, it gives a special meaning."
Anthony Kim finished four shots short behind Choi after a 1-over 73 left the Korean-American with a 13-under total of 275, the same as overnight leader Lee Ki-sang of South Korea.
"It was a tough day," said Kim. "I tried everything I could. The ball didn’t want to go into the hole. But K.J. played amazing. He made the putts when he needed to."