GolfTalkCentral

Choi co-leads Farmers, still inspiring South Koreans

By Randall Mell
Jan 24, 2013 9:47 PM ET

SAN DIEGO – Apparently, K.J. Choi isn’t finished inspiring his homeland.

Choi, the first South Korean to earn a PGA Tour card, shot a 7-under-par 65 Thursday at the Farmers Insurance Open to take a share of the first-round lead with Brandt Snedeker. Choi opened on the more difficult South Course at Torrey Pines.

Choi, 42, is looking for his ninth PGA Tour title, his first since The Players Championship in 2011.

Choi made South Korea proud earning his way onto the PGA Tour in 1999 after winning his Tour card through Q-School. Today, there are 11 South Koreans playing the PGA Tour.

“Before I came to the PGA Tour, we didn’t even think it was possible for Koreans to make it onto the PGA Tour,” Choi said. “I mentioned previously that if one every year comes over, that’s pretty historic. I think the younger generation guys have done well here now.”