With his 3rd golf victory in 6 months, Choi moving into elite company

Filling the cup?

One would think the cup is fairly full after the year he had, winning the Memorial Tournament in early June and the AT&T National at Congressional a month later. One tournament hosted by Jack Nicklaus, the other by Woods.

"It never gets full," Choi said. "When it's half-full, then you just empty it out again and just keep on trying to find improvement."

The next logical step is a major championship.

Choi believed his victory at the Sony Open was good preparation, for no other reason than the demand on his patience. When he left the course on Saturday with a four-shot lead at 15-under par, he thought a 2-under 68 would be required to win. But when the wind made palm trees sway and low scores vanish, he found himself grinding for par.

"I think this golf course here at Waialae is probably one of the consummate, classic golf courses," Sabbatini said. "It takes a lot of concentration, a lot of discipline out here on this golf course. And it definitely shows why K.J. is doing so well here."

Discipline and determination have been his trademarks since Choi first picked up a book written by Nicklaus as a teenager. He was a weightlifter before golf, hiking up mountains with 55 pounds (25 kilograms) strapped to his shoulders. He spent two years of military service in South Korea, where he thrived on regimen working as a guard.

And when he wanted to be a pro, he had a tough time convincing the family of his future bride that he could provide a good living.

"When I got my first win, they approved," he said, breaking into laughter.

"They weren't against the fact that I wanted to be a professional golfer," he added. "I think they were against the fact that as a golfer, your income is uncertain. They thought there was a lot of risk involved. But when they looked at my eyes, they saw that I had the passion, the urge, to succeed. And I think once they read that in my eyes, that's when they approved."

Even now, Choi has a hard time believing he has seven career victories.

"When I passed Q-school back in '99, everybody around me said that I probably won't even last a year out there," he said.

Recognition has been building. Choi is reaching that level where he doesn't sell tickets or move the TV ratings, but his name alone will boost the perception of a strong field.

An argument can be made that he might be the best player without a major. Sergio Garcia has more worldwide victories (16 to Choi's 13) and has been in contention more often in majors, although Choi is building an impressive resume by winning regularly on the toughest tour in golf.

"I'm not trying to win a major just to gain respect or just to gain more fan support or increase my fan base," Choi said. "I want to win a major because I want to win a major, and that's my goal. Winning a major is the highest achievement a professional golfer can achieve. I think if I work hard and win that major, all the rest will just follow that."

He is clearly headed in the right direction.