HARRISON, N.Y. (Aug. 21, 2007) - With a steady rain pelting Westchester Country Club today, most of the top players stayed away from the site of this week’s Barclays tournament. Apparently, the thrill of the FedExCup does not bring about any majors-level preparations.

In fact, many players chose a good dinner in New York City (about 40 minutes away from the course) over any extensive preparations. Or even little preparations.

K.J. Choi turned out to be an exception. Choi, who is ranked fifth in the FedExCup standings heading into this first of the four playoff tournaments, spent a lot of time out on the course getting soaked while he acquainted himself with the old greens. Listen to Choi talk about what he was looking for and it’s easy to see why the Korean is having a breakthrough season at age 37.

“I noticed practicing this morning that with the greens on the north side of the course, the ball tends to spin a lot,” Choi said. “So I practiced some shots with less spin. And I practiced a lot of putting.”

Choi is one of the rare players taking the FedExCup very seriously. Of course Choi takes every tournament very seriously. This is why he’s one of the easiest guys to root for on Tour. Choi actually acts like he’s a professional athlete - rather than a pampered baby golfer. Imagine that.

Real athletes practice through the rain. Many PGA players stay snuggled under the covers or on their private jets.

Remember for complete live coverage of The Barclays, the first tournament in Tim Finchem’s mad FedExCup love, stay tuned to the front of WorldGolf.com every day. Tomorrow morning, you’ll learn more about the FedExCup playoff system than most of the pros themselves competing in it know.

In the coming days, you’ll also hear more about Choi, one of the best stories in any pro sport.