KITCHENAID SENIOR PGA CHAMPIONSHIP

May 26, 2022

K.J. Choi

Press Conference

Harbor Shores

JOHN DEVER: Welcome back to the 2022 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship at Harbor Shores. We are with K.J. Choi, just opened up with a 3-under par 68, well done again. Seven birdies, some ups and downs, more ups than downs but seven birdies is a big number out there. Kind of tell us how you felt as you made your way around, first round here.

K.J. CHOI: My feel good. Couple shot is a little hurting the low back and turning backswing, still bother me. Still continue in focusing my swing. Couple putting 5-foot inside, reading very tough. My caddie, Tim and I, okay, right-to-left, hit it, and straight right.

Next one is similar, very similar, okay, a little less on the low side. A little confusing inside five feet because I'm coming to Tuesday night because of my son in the graduations. So it's a little stay home. More afternoon more practicing and then body condition some more, and continue three more days.

JOHN DEVER: Your first time to Harbor Shores.

K.J. CHOI: Yeah, first time. First time course is playing. Very enjoyable, very fun and sometimes putting is low side, high side and very difficult distance control. Today is very good putting so a couple missed shot in my swings, more practicing a little bit.

Q. As a very good iron play, I think this course sets up nicely to where you can hit irons?

K.J. CHOI: This course is second-shot and very, very important. One or two shots -- we need to on the topside. Still my iron play is very well. Three or four years ago, it's my rotation a little bit, low back side, and turning is a little problem. Continue a little and it drop temperatures and a little cool, body is a little squeeze it. A little more warm tomorrow, so I still continue the good playing, the irons.

The golf course is lovely and good shape and everything. Fantastic course, Harbor.

JOHN DEVER: You've played well in the championship a few times since you've turned 50 and joined this tour. Is there something about the layout that the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship at Harbor Shores, Kerry Haigh, that fits your game well.

K.J. CHOI: Yeah, continue golf course -- very good job in everything. It's organized, fantastic. I love the majors, more heart, more continue and pressure, lovely. I enjoy the golf course. A couple shots miss the driver and the irons, that's okay. All three days, this course is wind blowing sometimes in the water side and the other side, more control. More control tee shot and iron shot play, and I continue fighting.

JOHN DEVER: Thank you, congratulations on the graduation with your family this weekend.