Asia’s brigade look to Choi for inspiration

Augusta: When nine Asian golf stars, who include Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond, take the famous drive up Magnolia Lane for this week’s Masters, they could well find a dose of inspiration from the success story of South Korea’s trailblazer KJ Choi, who has come closest to donning the coveted green jacket.

Choi, who turned 50 earlier this year, has enjoyed a love affair with Augusta National since making his debut in the fabled tournament in 2003, and has been heart-broken following some close shaves, which include a career best third place finish in 2004 and two other top-10s in 2010 and 2011.

His impressive Masters record and well-documented rise to fame on the PGA Tour will be a fresh reminder to the Asian brigade that anything is possible in this wonderful game.

For over two decades, the Korean legend, who is nicknamed “The Tank” for his single-mindedness…