AUGUSTA, Ga. – It was impossible to miss the connection late Wednesday as the duo made their way under the tree behind Augusta National’s clubhouse.
Y.E. Yang, the last player paired with Woods at a major, and K.J. Choi, the next player scheduled to be paired alongside the world No. 1, spent the last two days together, playing nine holes on Tuesday and nine more on Wednesday. Talking points varied, golf course, weather, family and . . .of course, Woods.
Not that Choi needs much advice when it comes to Woods. He’s played with him on numerous occasions and has the type of focus that will make Thursday’s buzz something of an afterthought.
“K.J. is thrilled,” said Choi’s swing coach Steve Bann. “It will be a Sunday crowd on Thursday. It’s great.”
Choi and Woods exchanged hugs and a short conversation Wednesday before Choi went out with Yang, who became the first player to come from behind after 54 holes and beat Woods at a major last year at the PGA Championship.