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Saint Choi

December 4, 2013

8-time PGA Tour winner K.J. Choi pledges

$100,000 to Typhoon Haiyan Relief in Philippines

The KJ Choi Foundation (www.kjchoifoundation.org) supports the hopes and dreams of youth around the world. (Newsis)

The KJ Choi Foundation (www.kjchoifoundation.org) supports the hopes and dreams of youth around the world. (Newsis)

By LEE KYUTAE

Choi Kyung-ju, 43, commonly known as K.J. Choi in the United States, has donated his recent $100,000 winnings from the 2013 ISPS Handa World Cup to help with the Typhoon Haiyan relief efforts in the Philippines.

The donation was sent to the American Red Cross through the KJ Choi Foundation in the United States. In conjunction with the Philippine chapter of the Red Cross, the funds will be used to provide relief supplies to the areas worst hit by the typhoon and to help rebuild the country’s damaged infrastructure.

The eight-time PGA Tour winner Choi represented Korea with his fellow countryman Sang Moon Bae at the 2013 ISPS Handa World Cup and finished tied for 15th.

This is not the first time Choi has given generously to help people in need. The KJ Choi Foundation, a recognized 501(c) non-profit organization, has supported relief efforts across the globe since 2007. Choi donated $90,000 to hurricane victims in the United States in 2009 and after his 2011 THE PLAYERS Championship win, he gave $200,000 to victims of the tornadoes that ravaged the southeastern part of the U.S. Later that year, he donated $100,000 to victims of the tsunami that hit Japan. In addition to those gifts, Choi’s foundation supports scholarships, junior golf in Korea and supports Korean communities with food aid and the development of farming production.

Choi was recognized with the Charlie Bartlett Award for his history of relief effort donations by the Golf Writer’s Association of America in 2013. The award is given to a professional golfer for his or her unselfish contributions to the betterment of society.

“The Philippines and Korea maintain a very close relationship through cultural exchange, and I truly hope they are able to rebound, overcome the difficult times and get back to normalcy again,” Choi said. He added, “I had heard that Jason Day lost many of his relatives and friends due to the typhoon and as a fellow friend and competitor, I felt bad. Despite his loss, it was very meaningful to see him overcome the pain of losing his family and stay focused during the tournament to come up with the win.”

One Comment

  1. w. oh

    December 5, 2013 at 2:08 AM

    It is so wonderful thing that Kyung-ju Choi, the Professional Golf Association Member , doing
    to share his blessings with other people to make the world beautiful to live on.
    I was very touched by reading his warm heart helping people who are in the pain from the natural disasters that
    no one can control it. Thank you K. J.
    Have a happy holiday !

    Reply