Strong Showing Fuels KH Lee’s Major Ambitions

South Carolina, United States: On the eve of the 13th Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC), KH Lee produced another eye-catching performance on the PGA Tour.

Korean Lee appeared in the first two editions of the AAC, sharing 18th place in China in 2009 and placing joint fourth in Japan in 2010.

Now aged 30, Lee’s professional career continues to gain momentum, a solo third place finish in the CJ Cup fuelling his ambition to add a Major title to the two PGA Tour successes he’s already enjoyed.

While Lee was reflecting on another impressive showing, seven young compatriots of his arrived in Thailand to prepare for this week’s latest instalment of the AAC, an event that helped Lee in his development.

At Congaree Golf Club, Lee posted a closing bogey-free three-under 68 that saw him finish third, two strokes behind Rory McIlroy, who captured his 23rd PGA Tour victory with a 67 that included two closing bogeys and saw him return to world number one for a ninth time in his career. American Kurt Kitayama finished runner-up, missing a 22-foot birdie putt on 18 to force a play-off.

The CJ Cup was launched in 2017 as Korea’s lone PGA Tour tournament but has been played in the past three years in the US due to the challenges of Covid-19.

Lee, a two-time PGA Tour winner, was hoping to deliver the country’s first champion of its prized tournament and put up a gallant fight despite wielding a cold putter.

“I couldn’t make it to the trophy but I got to see Rory win his title again which allowed me to see where I stand and what I need to improve. It was a great week overall,” said Lee, who bettered Kim Whee’s fourth place in the inaugural edition as the best finish by a Korean in the tournament.

His gains came on holes three, nine and 15, with the longest putt being a 29-footer before he made the turn. However, Lee knows missed opportunities on the second and fourth holes from inside of eight feet could have made the difference. He also missed putts inside of 25 feet over his closing three holes. Lee hit 16 greens in regulation on Sunday, and ranked first in Strokes Gained: Approach the Green for the week.

“I had enough chances but my putting didn’t show up as I wished. I need to work on that,” he said. “My driver distance is short, some 30 to 40 metres (compared to McIlroy). Of course, I can work out my driver. But I want to go step by step on the distance.”

With young compatriot and Presidents Cup teammate Tom Kim, who finished tied 11th and having won already in the 2022-23 PGA Tour Season, Lee is hoping to get himself back into the winner’s circle before he wraps up his fall campaign.

The experience of representing the International Team last month provided a massive confidence booster for Lee, who contributed two points in the loss to the US. He said the growing number of Korean players on Tour has also contributed to a positive environment.

“I really wanted to win during the fall season. I’m happy I was in contention this week. I’ve still got a couple more events to go so I want to do this again. I wish to get into contention more and be able to aim for another win. I want to win and hopefully win a Major as well. That’s my big goal for now,” said Lee, who won the AT&T Byron Nelson in 2021 and 2022.

“There are a lot of Korean players now (on Tour). We still feel lonely since we are far away from home. But we talk a lot, we cheer one another, share information and laugh as well. This really helps.”