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A group of big name golfers are sure to excite Korean golf fans. Golf empress Annika Sorenstam, top-ranked Lorena Ochoa, Jim Furyk, Vijay Singh and home grown stars Choi Kyoung-ju and Pak Se-ri will showcase their top-leveled prowess on local tours in October. Former No. 1 Singh of Fiji will raise the curtain at the $1-million Korea Open golf tournament on Oct. 4 in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province. Since he lifted the trophy at the Passport Open in 1995, this is the 44-year-old's second meeting with his Korean fans. The Fijian, who turned pro in 1982, has accumulated 31 wins on the PGA Tour and 12 on the European circuit. He is ranked second in the PGA money leaders.
One week later, `Tank' Choi Kyoung-ju and No. 2 Jim Furyk of the United States will continue the golf feast at the Shinhan Donghae Open in Gyeonggi Province. Six-time PGA Tour winner Choi, 37, has played on the Korean Tour twice a year since making his PGA debut in 2000, but his focusing on the $10-million FedEx Cup prevented him from playing on the domestic stage this year. The 37-year-old Furyk, who defended his Canadian Open title in July, is known for his consistence and unconventional, looping golf swing. He has earned $3,847,301 this year to post seventh among the money leaders. The LPGA's top stars will also join the golf fever. Peerless Mexican Ochoa will perform at the $1.5 million Hana Bank-Kolon Championship, on Oct. 19 in Gyeongju. The 26-year-old former Arizona Wildcat, experiencing her career year, has dominated the U.S. LPGA, capturing six tournaments including a current three-tour winning streak. In addition, she took over the No. 1 spot from the injured Sorenstam in April. U.S. Open champion Christie Kerr of the United States, LPGA Championship winner Suzann Pettersen of Norway and Evian Master winner Natalie Gulbis of the United States will accompany Ochoa. Sorenstam will conclude the star wars by taking part in the Sky 74 Invitational in Incheon. Paula Creamer, who topped the SBS Open in February, and Brittany Lincicome, who won Ginn Open in April, will add excitement to the competition, held to honor Pak Se-ri's induction into the Hall of Fame. | ||
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Royal and Ancient organisers said yesterday the par-71 Scottish layout would be extended to 6786m -- 55m longer than the record set at Carnoustie eight years ago. Three holes have been changed. The par-four third has been redesigned, new bunkering brought in on the long sixth and there has been subtle contouring by the driving area at the par-four 17th. The course will have two par fives and three par threes but probably the most testing aspect will be the seven par fours measuring 421 yards-plus. | ||
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