Choi Wins Skins Game Over Ames, Mickelson, Mediate

December 1, 2008 9:00 a.m. EST

Indian Wells, CA (AHN) - K.J. Choi sank a birdie from 11 feet giving him $270,000 to emerge as the top winner of the 26th Skins Game Sunday.

The South Korean pocketed a total of $415,000 overall to become just the fifth international player to win the tournament of this format.

He did it by narrowly beating Stephen Ames, whose try from nine feet missed out, dashing hopes of four-man playoff including Phil Mickelson and Rocco Mediate.

Mickelson ended up third with $195,000 and Mediate pocketed $140,000. Both players bungled their putts from 11 feet on the 18th, paving the way for Choi's heroics on the last hole.

Choi entered the day carrying the lead but relinquished it after Mickelson took the 13th hole. Choi added $70,000 by winning the 14th hole on a four-foot eagle.

Mediate won the 16th on a three-foot birdie putt and Ames squandered a six-foot try that would have forced a tie.