Choi makes history in New Orleans

KJ Choi became the first South Korean to win on the USPGA Tour after an impressive victory at the Compaq Classic in New Orleans.

Choi led over the final three rounds, finishing with a total of 17 under par after today’s 67.

He finished four shots ahead of Australian Geoff Ogilvy and Dudley Hart.

A former powerlifter who took up the game at the age of 16, Choi won for the first time in 74 USPGA Tour starts.

He had never placed better than fourth, but his first prize of 810,000 US dollars was more than his combined earnings in his first two years on tour.

Choi had at least a share of the lead throughout the final round, holding off a chasing group that included Chris DiMarco, David Toms and Phil Mickelson all of whom began the week 11th or better in the world rankings.

DiMarco lipped out a birdie putt at the 12th hole, bogeyed two of his last five and finished in a tie for fourth at 276.

Toms bogeyed the 13th, double-bogeyed the 16th and ended up seven strokes back at 278.

Mickelson, ranked second behind Tiger Woods, used a hot start to close within two shots but played the final 12 holes even and tied Toms and four others for ninth.