K.J. CHOI WINS PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP

By mustang6560 on 5/16/11

Man, I really wanted David Toms to win! Nothing against K.J. Choi, but man, I was rooting hard for Toms.

The hardest part for David Toms was the fact his son was at TPC Sawgrass hoping to witness his dad win for the first time since 2006. Toms admitted during the week that his sons' new found love for the game has made golf more enjoyable for him and he wanted to be able to share a father-son moment after winning.

This one wasn't just about a tournament lost. This was about family. About a moment that doesn't come around too often when you're 44. A moment that would have redefined David Toms' career. An afternoon that would have given 13-year-old Carter a father-and-son moment -- a family moment -- beyond compare.

Instead it was a time to reflect, to give out hugs. To talk about how the son was inspiring the dad; about how in losing, you also win; about taking the momentum from this week to Fort Worth next week and Colonial Country Club, which just happens to be one of Toms' favorite courses.

Toms, who lead for the better part of the tournament, was trailing by one stroke heading into the par 4 18th. From a divot in the fairway, Toms hit his approach shot to 17 feet, while Choi missed his approach right. Choi chipped from off the green to inside five-feet, virtually forcing Toms to make his birdie putt.

At this point in the telecast, I was on my feet, fists clinched, saying "Come on Toms, les geaux!" I told you I wanted Toms to win.

He drained it. What a pressure putt! I thought for sure Toms would take the momentum into the first playoff hole and seal the deal. They headed to the island hole to start the sudden death playoff. Both players were on the green in regulation, but Toms had the advantage has he hit his shot to 18-feet. Choi putted to within three feet, so now all Toms had to do was sink his birdie putt and he would be the 2011 Players Champion. His putt slid by the hole but it's no big deal, he had a three foot tab in for par - the same putt nearly as Choi. Unfortunately, his par putt slid by the hole too, leaving Choi to make his part putt to win, which he did.

Best part about this game is there is always next week, next year. Hopefully, Toms can make one of these "next" weeks his week and not someone else's. Congrats to K.J. Choi on a great week.



K.J. Choi Wins

photo by kompuder_dude

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