Golf Gear Newswire : Choi hoping to ride ‘side-saddle’ to St Andrews glory

ST ANDREWS, Scotland, July 14 (Reuters) - KJ Choi is planning to use a revolutionary “side-saddle” putting stroke at this week’s 150th anniversary British Open.

The globetrotting South Korean opens up a wide stance, face on to the hole, toe to heel at address before sweeping his belly putter through the ball in a croquet-type motion.

Choi deployed the new stroke for the first time at last week’s John Deere Classic in Illinois but missed the cut.

“I’m always trying to get better and I want to make myself a better putter,” said Choi who is hoping to match compatriot Yang Yong-eun’s breakthrough major victory at last year’s U.S. PGA Championship.

“This new style is … a side-saddle type of putting style. It breaks the conventional paradigm of putting as you’re now facing towards the target.

“When I heard about the theory and principle behind it, it made sense and I wanted to try it. After practising over 12 days I believe this is the right move. I’m going to stick with it,” said Choi.

The 40-year-old will be appearing in his 11th British Open, with his best result a tie for eighth at Carnoustie three years ago.

Choi has won seven times on the PGA Tour. It is two and a half years since his last victory in the U.S. but he fared well at the Masters, finishing joint fourth at Augusta in April.

“To win a major you have to bring your ‘A’ game,” he said. “You have to drive it well, hit your irons good, putt well and have a strong mental attitude and show a lot of confidence.

“I’ve practised the different types of shots I can think of to fit this golf course, the low shots, high shots, cutting it and drawing the ball.

“I’ve also especially worked on using the seven or eight iron around the greens. I’ve done my homework,” added Choi.

--By Tony Jimenez

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Choi hoping to ride ‘side-saddle’ to St Andrews glory

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