Korea, November 2-4 -- During the first "Special Olympics East Asia Golf Tournament", a nine-hole tournament held at the Daegu Country Club which involved teams from Chinese Taipei and China, Korean PGA member Choi Sang-ho shared his professional skills and experience with a Special Olympics Korean athlete.

Choi Sang-ho joined the Korean PGA in the 1970s and, throughout his 30-year golfing career, represented Korea many times in the Asian game circuit. He is a respected player and considered a prestigious athlete in Korea. After his spectacular performance during the 2005 Maekyung Open, Choi Sang-ho was recorded as the oldest winner of the Asian Tour.

At the Special Olympics tournament, Choi Sang-ho gave his budding, young athlete the benefit of his years of experience around the putting green, demonstrating the proper form for putting and pitching. Athletes, coaches and family members crowded around the green to get a good view and to pick up a few tips. A few times, the professional deliberately missed a putt so that his Special Olympics buddy could offer a few words of advice to him, such as pointing out the line, or even proudly finishing the hole for him. When the athlete shot into a sand bunker, it was Choi Shag-ho's turn to help him out.

"I think it's fantastic to be part of the Special Olympics, to have the opportunity to help," said Choi Sang-ho. "To be involved with this makes me feel very good. It's great to see so many athletes from East Asia. They learn very quickly, in a very natural way. And the level of play is very high."

After Choi Sang-ho helped the Special Olympic athlete finish the 9-hole competition, he visited the crush-room, meeting the athletes, signing golf balls or caps, and demonstrating a number of valuable playing tips.

"One of the most striking things about the Game is the atmosphere," he said. "There's a tremendous amount of enthusiasm and good will, exchanging high-fives and hugs. Everyone is so excited about the competition and having fun. The athletes learn so fast and do so well. I want to give them a greater knowledge of the game of golf, because they can use this experience to enjoy the game for the rest of their lives. This is my first time to personally play with people who have intellectual disabilities, but it opens up my eyes and shows me that they have incredible and unique talents. They're far more caring and focused than other people. I am also learning from them."