Golfer Toms to debut at CJ Invitational

Major champion David Toms of the United States will make his debut at the C.J. Invitational Hosted by K.J. Choi with the intention of ending a two-year title drought here next week.

Toms, winner of the 2001 US PGA Championship, will be among an elite cast at the $750,000 event which includes current Asian Tour Order of Merit leader Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand, Siddikur of Bangladesh, Angelo Que of the Philippines and Rikard Karlberg of Sweden.

Lee Dong-hwan, Baek Seuk-hyun, Kim Gi-whan and Lee Sung will lead the local charge along with two-time defending champion Choi, the tournament host, at the Haesley Nine Bridges Golf Club.

Toms has won 11 titles on the US PGA Tour but not since 2011. He has enjoyed a solid 2013 season in the United States, finishing seventh at the US PGA Championship and securing three other top-20s.

Toms will be aiming to dethrone Korea's Choi, who is on a mission to secure an unprecedented third straight win in his own event. No player in Asian Tour history has won the same tournament in three successive years.

"I'm excited to be a part of this prestigious event. I've enjoyed quite a solid season so far, so my main goal is obviously to win the event. K.J. has won his own event twice so he will be the man to beat," said the 46-year-old Toms.

Reigning Asian Tour Order of Merit champion Thaworn Wiratchant of Thailand, Gaganjeet Bhullar of India, Scott Hend of Australia, Jbe Kruger of South Africa and Berry Henson of the United States, all winners on the Asian Tour, will also feature in the event.