K.J. Choi became the first South Korean to win a Senior Major Championship as he claimed a two-stroke victory in The Senior Open Presented by Rolex at Carnoustie Golf Links.
The 54-year-old started slowly but ignited around the turn to put daylight between himself and the chasing pack as he signed for a closing two under round of 70 and a winning total of ten under par, two clear of Australia’s Richard Green.
The eight-time PGA TOUR winner opened with a bogey and dropped further shots at the fifth and sixth as the leaderboard became bunched, with a number of players in contention.
Playing partner Green and fellow chasers Paul Broadhurst and Stephen Ames were all going along steadily but Choi, not for the first time this week, began a hot run and picked up a shot either side of the turn to get back to one over for the day.
He parred the 11th and then entered a three-hole stretch which determined the outcome of the 2024 Senior Open.
The former World Number Five recorded back-to-back birdies at the 12th and 13th before then holing a 30-footer for eagle at the 14th to open a four-shot lead with only four to play.
Choi used his knowhow which earned him a share of eighth in The Open at Carnoustie in 2007 to safely navigate the next three, before closing with a bogey to secure his maiden Major title.
“It's unbelievable, today's game,” he said. “I prayed all week. Either way I started very nervous and some speed was off, which was the difference, and I made three bogeys after six. I kept my attention and prayed. I felt more comfortable in the swing.
“I made a bad start but then seven and eight was better and then made birdie on nine, which made me feel better.
“The back-to-back birdies on nine and ten gave me real momentum today.
“This event is historical in Korea, first-time champion at The Senior Open. Very proud this week.”
Australian Green extended his excellent run of form in the Senior Majors by securing his third top three finish of the season, while England’s Broadhurst finished two shots further back in third on six under.
Canadian Ames finished fourth on three under par, while no fewer than seven players finished in a tie for fifth on two under, including former Ryder Cup Captains Thomas Bjørn, Pádraig Harrington and Bernhard Langer.
