Korean Choi hopes practice pays off at Turnberry

By Patrick Johnston

TURNBERRY, Scotland (Reuters) - South Korean KJ Choi has struggled to maintain consistent form this season but is pinning his hopes on straight driving and a solid short game to help him flourish at this week's British Open.

A seven-times winner on the PGA Tour, Choi has endured a difficult year on the U.S. circuit, recording just one top-10 finish and missing the cut five times in 15 starts.

"My focus in practice here has been on tee shots," the 39-year-old son of a rice farmer told Reuters before Thursday's opening round on Turnberry's Ailsa course.

"It is difficult with the wind frequently changing. There are many big bunkers ... and every shot is challenging but I like it.

"I also have (been) working hard on hitting low shots and on my putting because (it's difficult when) the wind changes quickly," added Choi, whose world ranking has slipped from a career-high fifth early last year to 49th.

"The greenside chipping is tricky. Some (chips) skip on because of the hard ground and some don't. I have been working a lot from 57 yards in. (Whoever is best) from the greenside with chipping and bunker (play) will do well here."

Choi, who tied for 16th in last year's British Open at Royal Birkdale, launches his bid to become the first Asian winner of a men's major when he tees off at 1:20 p.m. British time.

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