South Korean golfer Choi Kyung-ju has been honored for his charity work in the United States.

The Golf Writers Association of America awarded Choi the 2013 Charlie Bartlett Award on Thursday, which is the eve of the opening of the Masters.

In the awards ceremony held in Augusta, Georgia, Choi said that he was able to become a competent player thanks to those who helped and supported him when he was young. He vowed to continue to help people in need.

Since 1971, the association has given the award, which is named after its first secretary, to professional golfers who have contributed to the betterment of society through donations and charity work. Choi is the first Asian recipient.