Choi sees potential in Malaysian winner
Tuesday, 9 March 2010 11:32New Malaysian Open champion Noh Seung-yul is all set to make an impact on world golf, according to seven-times US PGA Tour winner KJ Choi.
Teenager Noh, who does not even own a car, became the youngest professional winner on the European Tour when he pipped fellow South Korean Choi by one stroke to win in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday.
'He is one of the most powerful young talents coming up,' said Choi in a news release.
'The way he controls and hits the ball is like no other. I feel like he is going to develop in all aspects and is going to be on the world stage. He has the heart for it but he has to keep working hard,' added the 39-year-old who makes a point of practising with the youngster when he competes in Asia.
Noh, at 18 years and 281 days, broke the 39-year-old European Tour record of South African Dale Hayes by nine days when he landed the Malaysian title.
New Zealander Danny Lee is the youngest amateur winner on the European Tour. He was 18 years and 213 days when he lifted the Johnnie Walker Classic trophy in Australia in February 2009.
'This is more special than my first win,' said Noh in a reference to his Asian Tour breakthrough triumph at the 2008 Midea China Classic.
'This tournament in Malaysia, competing with the top players in the world and defeating someone (Choi) I look up to, is special.'
