Choi relishes vice-captaincy role

KJ Choi admitted that he would prefer playing in the President's Cup rather than be Nick Price's vice-captain, even though the role is one he relishes.
The 45-year-old Choi has been a fine ambassador for Asian golf over the last decade, becoming the first Asian Tour graduate to gain a PGA Tour card, in 1999, and winning eight times on the American tour, including the coveted Players Championship.
Subsequently, the Korean was given the honour of being the first Asian to receive the vice-captaincy of the President's Cup team, alongside Mark McNulty and Tony Johnstone, for this week's event at the Jack Nicklaus Golf Club in Incheon, Korea.
"I'd prefer to play. This is very stressful," the honorary Asian Tour member joked on Tuesday.
"If you're a player, you're just hitting golf shots and playing whenever the captain tells you to play. But for the captain and vice-captain, we have to look after 12 players, check on their game styles and lifestyles and have to match them up well.
"There's a lot of thinking. I can't sleep at night."
Choi's success as a player included three appearances for the Internationals in the President's Cup, while paving the way for the likes of India's Anirban Lahiri, Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand, Korea's Sangmoon Bae and Japan's Hideki Matsuyama to feature in this week's tournament.
"It's very good and very positive for Asia. It shows the improvement in Asian golf and the Asian Tour. Our players are becoming worldwide. It's very exciting to see," said Choi.
"This will be good for Korea and Asia. The main thing is that it can change golf in Asia, make it boom and make young players learn the game.
Since the event was launched in 1994, the American team has dominated, winning eight of the 10 tournaments, including the last five.
The International team's only victory came in Melbourne in 1998, while the 2003 event ended in a tie.
The Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea will be the fourth international venue to host The Presidents Cup, joining The Royal Melbourne Golf Club in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (1998, 2011); The Links at Fancourt, George, South Africa (2003); and The Royal Montreal Golf Club in Montreal, Quebec, Canada (2007).
Latest
-
PGA Tour
Justin Rose wins AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am to claim first title since 2019
Monday’s resumption saw the 42-year-old make birdies on the 11th, 13th and 14th en route to a 66.
-
PGA Tour
Daniel Gavins survives final-hole drama to win Ras Al Khaimah Championship
The Englishman held his nerve to hole for a double-bogey seven on the 18th and clinch a one-shot victory.
-
PGA Tour
Gareth Bale admits to nerves on debut at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-am
The 33-year-old, who announced his retirement from football last month, is a two-handicapper.
-
PGA Tour
Jordan Spieth wants Pebble Beach to become one of PGA Tour’s elevated events
The PGA Tour’s top players have committed to playing against each other at least 20 times a year.
-
PGA Tour
G4D Open is ‘great news’ for golfers with disabilities – Brendan Lawlor
Up to 80 players will contest the inaugural event in May.
-
PGA Tour
It’s been a battle – Rory McIlroy delighted to pip rival Patrick Reed in Dubai
The Northern Irishman birdied the final two holes at Emirates Golf Club to card a closing 68 and finish a shot ahead of Reed on 19 under par.
-
PGA Tour
Rory McIlroy holds off rival Patrick Reed with birdie on 18 to seal Dubai win
McIlroy birdied the final two holes at Emirates Golf Club to card a closing 68 and finish 19 under par.
-
PGA Tour
Rory McIlroy leads by three in bid to win his third Dubai Desert Classic title
England’s Callum Shinkwin and Dan Bradbury are McIlroy’s closest challengers heading into the final round.
-
LPGA Tour
Golf bid to increase diversity in sport improving but still has ‘long way to go’
Nicola Bennett is an ambassador for the Golf Foundation, helping to drive grassroots campaigns.
-
PGA Tour
Richard Bland boasts share of lead at halfway stage in Dubai Desert Classic
The 49-year-old returned to complete his second round on Saturday morning, carding three more birdies and a solitary bogey in his remaining 14 holes.