Choi makes a statement for Koreans

While American Stacy Lewis was the star of a momentous Rolex Awards Celebration as the LPGA’s player of the year in a dinner halfway through the event, Na Yeon Choi led a final round that was all about the dynamic young talent South Korea keeps delivering in the women’s game.

Choi won with her fabulous RAZR Hawk Driver what turned into a duel with fellow South Korean and Rolex Rookie of the Year So Yeon Ryu. Choi did so on a day when fellow countrywoman Inbee Park wrapped up the LPGA money title and Vare Trophy for low scoring average.

It was the eighth LPGA title won by South Koreans this year with the Callaway RAZR Hawk Driver , notable in that it equals the American total as most by a nation on the tour this season.

With Sunday’s $500,000 first-place check, Choi claimed the two largest winner’s checks on the tour this year. She also took home $585,000 winning the U.S. Women’s Open, her first major with her new 913 d3 driver .

The big payday had special meaning with Choi in the midst of house hunting in the Orlando area, where she makes her American base.

Choi’s mother, Jeong Me Song, made the trip from South Korea this week to help Na Yeon look at houses this coming Monday. Choi is looking to move out of her current home in the area to a home near Isleworth, where she’s hoping to become a member of the country club.

“I think I can buy a bigger house than I thought,” Choi said.

Sunday marked the first time Choi’s mother saw her daughter win outside South Korea with the 913 d3 she loves most.

“I think she is proud of me,” Choi said.

Choi was eloquent and charming telling her story afterward in English. She sent a jolt of laughter through the media center saying she got nervous because she couldn’t locate her mother in the gallery as they played. She wondered if her mother was following the wrong group.