Hosung Choi has become somewhat of a cult hero in recent months.
Aptly nicknamed “The Fisherman” because of his previous line of work, Choi’s theatrics post-impact have gained him legions of supporters around the world, so much so, in fact, that American-based fans have started a petition to get the South Korean golfer a sponsor’s exemption into the Waste Management Phoenix Open.
PGA of America professional Derek Deminsky started the petition on Change.org two weeks ago following Choi’s breakthrough victory at the Japan Golf Tour’s Casio World Open in late November.
Hosung Choi wins on the Japan Golf Tour.
Here’s a look at that magnificent swing. pic.twitter.com/xZrXgHcZbz— Skratch (@Skratch) November 25, 2018
“Once in a generation golfer, Hosung Choi, has BURST out onto the scene and into our hearts this past 2018,” Deminsky wrote. “Being arguably the most entertaining golfer to watch, I and many others strongly feel he deserves a sponsor’s exemption into the 2019 Waste Management Phoenix Open.
“The ‘greatest show on grass’ NEEDS to have the greatest showman in the game. We are politely asking that you would extend one of your sponsor’s exemptions to Hosung Choi, so that we can see his greatness up close.”
Choi Wins With Craziest Swing In Golf
Choi, the No. 198-ranked player in the world, holds no PGA Tour status and thus requires one of the sponsor’s exemptions.
It’s unlikely this petition has flown under the radar of the Thunderbirds, the organization that helps to put on the Waste Management Phoenix Open. As of this writing, the petition has already bypassed its first two goals — 1,500 signatures and 5,000 signatures, respectively — and now is aiming to get to 7,500.
The field for the event includes some big names with Phil Mickelson, Justin Thomas, Xander Schauffele and Jon Rahm already committed.
