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On the 31st anniversary of his professional career, we felt it necessary to cover a KJ Choi WITB review to honor his commitment to golf. Erin Blakely, Senior Golf Source founder met with the first Korean player to earn a PGA Tour card.
Choi paved the way for Y.E. Yang to win the 2009 PGA Championship and Tom Kim and Sunjae Im to flourish as professionals.
Let’s start with a quick look inside his bag.
KJ Choi WITB Quick Summary
Driver: Titleist GT2 Driver (10°)
Shaft: Graphite Design Tour AD IZ Shaft
3 Wood: Srixon ZX MK ii (15°)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Velocore Black (6X)
5 Wood: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond (18°) Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Velocore Black (6X)
4 Hybrid: TaylorMade Stealth 2 (22°) – Tour AD IZ 6X
Irons 5 – PW: Srixon ZX7 MKII (5 – PW)
Wedges: Cleveland RTZ Tour Rack (54°, 58°, 60°)
Putter: Odyssey White Hot OG Seven
KJ Choi Quote & Quick Facts Table
| Name | Choi Kyung-Ju (K.J. Choi) |
| Nickname | Tank |
| Birthday | May 19, 1970 |
| Birthplace | Wando, South Korea |
| Age | 55 |
| Year Turned Pro | 1994 |
| Professional Wins | 33 |
| Biggest Achievements | 2011 Players Championship (winner) 1st Korean to secure PGA Tour Card 1st Korean winner on the PGA Tour |
| PGA Career Earnings | $32,803,596 |
| Senior Ranking | 20 |
KJ Choi Driver
Driver – 10°
The first Korean golfer to win on the PGA Tour card struggled off the tee in 2023 with the Ping G430 LST. He ranked 55th overall for driving, which likely prompted his change in equipment for this season. He went back to the older Callaway Epic Speed Triple Diamond in 2024 when we previously caught up with him.
As you can see, he’s now swinging the Titleist GT2 with a Graphite Design shaft. Last year he was using a 9 degree loft, and this year he’s swapped to a 10 degree loft.
K.J. along with a handful of other senior tour players, prefer the lack of offset and the high rebound off the clubface. Despite the assistance, the Epic Speed TD requires a powerful whack to get it into the air, which does not suit the average senior.
Choi, on the other hand, was a competitive power lifter as a junior, earning him the nickname “Tank.” He clearly has no issues generating clubhead speed and getting the ball into the air.
KJ Choi – 3 Wood
3 Wood – 15°
The 2011 Players Champion switches to Srixon for his 3-wood duties for workable flight, forgiveness, and more control on the landing.
Srixon focused on low and deep weighting in the head and extra clubface flex to increase ball speed and promote an easy launch off the deck for all golfers.
The Rebound Frame and Dual Flex Zones boost forgiveness off the deck, promoting consistent ball speed and a high launch.
KJ Choi – 5 Wood
The gentleman who played T.K. Oh in Seven Days In Utopia turns to the low-spinning, workable Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke TD for 5-wood duties. Its exceptionally low spin profile better suits powerful hitters like K.J.
My group of casual golfers enjoyed greater forgiveness, higher flight, and consistency with the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max.
Besides spin and launch, the Ai Smoke TD carries an attractive compact profile, which enhances the ability to shape long approach shots into the green.
⛳️ Related: Callaway Ai Smoke Max vs Max Fast
KJ Choi – 4 Hybrid
4 Hybrid 22°
The three-time President’s Cup representative uses the TaylorMade Stealth 2 hybrid to transition into the irons.
Choi employs a 22-degree 4-hybrid for its versatility off the tee, fairway, and rough. It launches high off the deck and encourages a soft, controlled landing on approach.
The hybrid is setup for neutral flight, but it gives you the control and ability to produce more shape on your shot.
Overall, most senior golfers will thrive with the Stealth 2 thanks to its rescue design, but if you prefer the added forgiveness of draw bias, think about the Stealth 2 HD Rescue.
KJ Choi – Irons
4 Iron – PW
The golfer from Wando started playing with the ZX7 irons in 2024 but switched to the new ZX7 MKii irons towards the end of the year. For 2025, Choi has updated to the Srixon ZXi7.
He has decided to keep the new Srixon irons as he looks to boost his accuracy on approach in 2025. Choi no doubt appreciates the attractive compact profile, crisp acoustics, and workable flight delivered.
KJ Choi – Golf Wedges
54°, 58°, 60° Loft
Choi adjusted his setup to theCleveland RTZ Mid Tour Rack from the Cleveland RTX 6 Tour Rack Zipcore with plenty of lead tape.
The club is fitted with a moderately bouncy sole, measuring 10 degrees.
It suits a variety of turf conditions and a neutral attack angle and generates outstanding spin. However, it lacks the forgiveness the average golfer looks for around the green.
KJ Choi – Putter
The founder of the K.J. Choi Foundation rounds out his bag with the Odyssey White Hot OG Seven putter.
Choi continues to stroke the mallet putter, appreciating its stability, softness, and roll.
The key feature is the White Hot Insert, which softens each touch and generates a clean roll, resulting in limited skid off the face and optimal distance control.
On a side note, we noticed KJ carrying an extra putter during his practice rounds. So, we will be curious to see if he continues using the Odyssey White Hot OG Seven Putter throughout the season.
Final Thoughts on KJ Choi WITB
Our K.J. Choi WITB 2025 shows that he has made many changes to his setup for this season.
Choi is swinging completely different driver and wedges to what we saw in 2024.
With natural talent and his desire to break age stereotypes, I anticipate his 34th professional win won’t be too far off in his future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does KJ Choi still play golf?
Yes, K.J. Choi still plays golf on the PGA Tour Champions. He joined the seniors tour in 2020 and has recorded 16 top tens, including one win, four runner-ups, and three third-place finishes.
Is KJ Choi married?
Yes, K.J. Choi is married to Hyunjung Kim. The couple tied the knot in 1995 and have three children together.
