Date: January 14, 2008
Author:

Choi the big Kahuna

KJ Choi managed just one birdie in the final round on Sunday but kept the mistakes to a minimum to claim victory in the Sony Open in Hawaii. Matt Jones, the sole Australian to make the cut, finished in a tie for 17th place on five-under. Choi was unable to manage a birdie until the final hole but his one-over-par 71 was still good enough to give him a three-shot win at the first full-field event of the PGA Tour season. The Korean started the round with a four-stroke cushion but found it tough going in blustery conditions at Waialae Country Club. Despite his lack of birdies, Choi had just two bogeys and finished at 14-under 266 for the first wire-to-wire victory in the tournament since Brad Faxon&aposs win in 2001. It was his seventh career PGA Tour title. Rory Sabbatini of South Africa had his chances but made just enough mistakes to keep himself from catching Choi as he finished second at 11-under 269 after a two-under 68. Jerry Kelly finished third on 270 after closing with a 67.