Susan Choi
Natick, Mass.
Hometown: Valley Stream, N.Y.
Birthdate: 5/23/84
College: Wellesley College
Home Golf Course: Ponkapoag Golf Club, Canton, Mass.
Interests: Singing, dancing, piano, cello
Family: Single
View Susan Choi's Bio Video
View Susan Choi's Swing Video
It is very hard not to like Susan Choi. After a good shot, she jumps around childlike and offers an infectious smile that spreads an enthusiasm that reminds you why you started playing golf.
The only amateur competing in Big Break Ka’anapali, you can only imagine how Choi would react if she won the series and made her professional debut in an LPGA Tour event. Making her joyous behavior more refreshing, Choi, like most struggling aspiring LPGA players, has financial obstacles to overcome, but doesn’t let the roadblocks affect her attitude.
One of two daughters of Korean immigrants, Choi was born and raised on Long Island. Her parents moved to the United States in search of greater opportunities and the family never had much money. What her dad did have was time for his children. He introduced her to golf and she took to the game as the two of them would go to the Bethpage State Park – home of the famed Black course – driving range at twilight to practice.
“My sister is artsy-fartsy. So I sort of became the son my dad always hoped he’d have,” Choi insists. “I started playing golf at age 12 and I loved it right away. I only played on public courses, because we couldn’t afford country clubs or any of that stuff.”
Choi however, didn’t escape a love of the arts. She is a devout Christian and her beliefs led to studying Gospel music. “Playing music is good for golf. I’ve been told I have a graceful swing and I think (music) helps with your swing tempo,” said Choi, who didn’t play golf competitively until attending Wellesley College, an all-women’s’ division III school.
Originally studying to be a doctor, in her sophomore year she realized how much she enjoyed competing, practicing, and playing the game of golf. By her senior year, Choi said she was majoring in golf, a focus that improved her scoring average from 88 as a freshman to scratch by the time she graduated. It’s the kind of improvement you would expect from someone who has the motto “play like you’re in first, train like you’re in second.”
As she continues her career, Choi will not be able to rely on her parents for any financial support as their convenience store business went under. Currently, she plays mini-tour events but remains an amateur to improve her game before turning professional. “I haven’t reached my full potential yet, explained Choi. I have a lot to improve on. Golf is a fickle game. But the bad days only make you stronger.”
Big Break Ka’anapali represents a huge opportunity, not only for the possible financial gains, but also for the chance to improve Choi’s golf game, a goal she is constantly working towards.
“I’m working hard on my mental game and really trying to get stronger and longer,” said Choi. “I only drive the ball about 230 yards. But my short game is my strong point! I love being in bunkers.”
Only an optimist like Choi would say they love being in a hazard. But that’s the attitude that should make her a fan favorite on Big Break Ka’anapali.
Click to See What’s in the Bag
| Club | Name | ||
| Driver: | Cleveland Launcher 460 10.5° | ||
| Woods: | Cleveland Launcher 15° & 19° | ||
| Hybrids: | Callaway Big Bertha Heavenwood 4H 23° | ||
| Irons: | Ping I3+ 5-PW | ||
| Wedges: | Callaway X-Tour 56° & 60° |
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| Putter: | Scotty Cameron Red x 33” | ||
| Ball: | Titleist Pro VI |
