Choi Forges First-Day Lead At Skins Game

November 29, 2008 9:40 p.m. EST

Indian Wells, CA (AHN) - K.J. Choi earned $75,000 after rolling in a three-foot putt for a birdie on the third hole and Phil Mickelson pocketed $25,000 for an eagle on the fourth at Saturday's LG Skins Game in Indian Wells (CA.).

Two-time defending champion Stephen Ames and Rocco Mediate, competing in his first Skins Game, earned no coin on the first nine holes.

That leaves $900,000 of the purse up for grabs heading into Sunday.

Choi played superbly, drilling birdies on four of seven holes and seemed to have his nerves well under control.

He was looking to avoid the stigma of getting shut out in 25 straight events, and he certainly did so with a flair.

Mickelson did not fair too badly either, earning $25,000 in appliances in addition to fattening his wallet.