K.J. Choi’s Gallant Fight Just Short in Boca Raton
South Korean star narrowly misses PGA TOUR Champions glory as Cabrera prevails.
Augusta, Georgia - In a thrilling finale to the 2025 James Hardie Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational, South Korea’s K.J. Choi displayed exceptional grit and resilience, finishing runner-up by two strokes to Ángel Cabrera at The Old Course at Broken Sound, Boca Raton, Florida.
Choi, showcasing precision and consistency, closed his campaign with a determined 69, pushing Cabrera to the brink throughout the dramatic final round. Birdies at holes 15 and 16 brought Choi level, setting up an exhilarating finish, but a heart-wrenching three-putt bogey on the 18th ultimately sealed his fate.
“I gave everything today,” Choi reflected graciously. “It's disappointing to come so close, but I'm proud of how I played and battled to the very end.”
This marked the eighth time Choi has finished in the top two on the PGA TOUR Champions circuit, underscoring his stature as one of the most consistent competitors on tour.
Cabrera, the Argentine veteran, capitalized on the final-hole slip, securing his first PGA TOUR Champions victory and concluding his weekend at 11-under-par, two clear of Choi. Retief Goosen secured third place with a solid final-round 68.
Miguel Angel Jiménez maintained his lead atop the Charles Schwab Cup standings, finishing sixth, while Jerry Kelly carded a remarkable 7-under 65 to rocket up the leaderboard from 41st to tied seventh.
Despite narrowly missing out, Choi's commendable performance reinforced his place among golf's elite on the senior circuit, promising more captivating battles in future events.