PREVIEW-Golf-Choi focuses on positives for Memorial defence

DUBLIN, Ohio, May 27 (Reuters) - South Korean KJ Choi was in optimistic mood for his title defence at this week's Memorial tournament despite missing the cut in his last two PGA Tour starts.

Nine years ago on his Tour debut Choi tied for 24th at the event hosted by Jack Nicklaus and he has enjoyed Muirfield Village ever since.

Twelve months ago he produced one of the most satisfying victories of his career when he charged from five strokes behind to triumph by a shot from American Ryan Moore.

"I always love coming back to Muirfield," world number eight Choi told reporters on Tuesday through an interpreter. "There's a special place in my heart for this tournament.

"I was fortunate enough to get an invitation here nine years ago and to have played with a legend like Jack at his tournament and then to win it last year is just so very special.

"I haven't been playing well in the past couple of weeks but I feel good this week," said the 38-year-old who earned the nickname 'Tank' as a teenage weightlifter.

Choi made a strong start to the 2008 Tour, winning his seventh title at the Sony Open in January and posting four top-12 finishes in his next five tournaments.

However, he battled to 41st in gusting winds at last month's U.S. Masters before missing the cut at the Players Championship and last week's Colonial tournament.