by Kevin McFarland
Daily Lobo
Success came easy for Jay Choi as a Lobo.
Now that his senior season is over, the former UNM men's golfer said he plans to continue his winning ways professionally.
Looking at a list of accomplishments in Choi's senior season, it would appear his game is ready. As the Lobos' No. 1 golfer this season, Choi stepped up his game and competed with the best of the Mountain West Conference.
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Choi insists that his final season was his defining moment.
"My senior season, the whole year, was just great," Choi said. "I had a very solid season, so that would have to be my favorite highlight."
In that season, Choi was a model of consistency, missing the top 20 in only one of the 10 tournaments he played in.
Choi won both the National Invitational and MWC Championship tournaments, and he finished in the top 10 in four tournaments this season.
He was the leader on a golf team that won its fourth-straight conference championship at the 2006 MWC Tournament. Choi won the tournament by finishing with a final score of 1-under-par 216. He was the only golfer in the tournament to finish under par. His performance earned him all-conference honors, as he was a major part in each of UNM's four consecutive MWC titles.
Not a bad list for one season, but Choi said he would like to add to his accomplishments - as well as his wallet - when he joins the professional ranks in the fall.
"I'll prepare to win pretty much the same," Choi said. "It worked well for me last year, and hopefully it will prepare me to win in the pros. I definitely want to win, and I don't want to hurt my pocketbook, either."
Though Choi is confident his training regimen will prepare him for his professional career, he said he will have to take his game to another level.
"The pro game is definitely more individualistic, so my mind-set will change," Choi said. "It's completely different when you're not worrying about other people, and how another guy on your team is doing, or if somebody might get injured. It's just more focus on myself and my game."
Even though Choi is looking ahead, he said he will never forget his formative years as a Lobo.
"I loved my time at UNM," Choi said. "My time here was great. Coaching staffs were great. My teammates were great. I can't see where I'd be if I went somewhere else. It's been the best four years of my life."
Despite all his accolades, Choi does regret a couple of things about his four years at UNM. He said he should have hung out with teammates more often, but most of all, he should have spent more time preparing.
"I could have gotten more practice in," Choi said. "I think everyone regrets that, though. There's always more you can do."
With that type of attitude and dedication, Choi shouldn't have a hard time achieving success or a thicker pocketbook in the pro game.
"I'm going to put in a good summer of work," Choi said. "Then I think I'll be ready."
