K.J. Choi is ranked 15th in the world and has won eight PGA titles (AFP)
South Korea's capital could dedicate a street to the nation's most successful golfers, including Asia's highest ranked player K.J. Choi, according to officials.
South Korea's capital could dedicate a street to the nation's most successful golfers, including Asia's highest ranked player K.J. Choi, according to officials.
The Korea Golf Association (KGA) on Friday said it was negotiating with Seoul city officials to build the "Pioneer Road" in the financial district of Yeouido.
"If the deal goes well, the street will be dedicated in March next year, featuring the handprints of those who have contributed to our golf development," KGA spokesman Oh Kyu-Chul told AFP.
The association is collecting handprints from 34 current and former female golf stars including four-time US LPGA major champion Pak Se-Ri as well as two leading male golfers -- Choi and Y.E. Yang.
"Young golfers who aspire to become great athletes will be inspired and motivated by what they see featured on the street," KGA vice president Kim Dong-Wook told Chosun Ilbo newspaper.
South Koreans currently lead the list of Asia's top male golfers.
Choi is ranked 15th in the world and has won eight PGA titles, collecting more than $26 million in prize money so far.
While South Koreans take pride in their international golfing stars, courses in the densely populated country are often expensive and overbooked and relatively few ordinary people have a chance to play.
Virtual reality golf cafes have boomed in recent years, offering a simulated 18-hole game for around 20,000-30,000 won (up to $25) compared to an average 200,000 won on an actual course.
© 2011 AFP/sid
