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Korean-New Zealander Danny Lee has become the youngest ever winner of the U.S. Amateur, the world¡¯s most prestigious non-professional golf tournament. Lee defeated U.S. Drew Kittleson 5 and 4 at the 108th U.S. Amateur Championship at the Pinehurst Resort and Country Club in North Carolina Monday. He is the first Korean descendent to win the title in its 113-year history.
Just 18 years and one month old, Lee is some six months younger than Tiger Woods was in 1994, when the king of golf became the youngest winner (at 18 years, seven months and 29 days).
Having begun playing golf in the second grade, Lee moved to New Zealand at 13. He was taught by his mother, a golf instructor. He is also a member of New Zealand¡¯s national squad.
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Danny Lee watches a tee shot on the 8th hole during the final round of the U.S. Amateur golf tournament at Pinehurst, N.C. on Monday (KST). Lee defeated Drew Kittleson 5 and 4 in match play to win the tournament. /AP
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His victory is no surprise to many. U.S. sports site ESPN said, ¡°If you¡¯re looking at the next generation of players who will someday usurp Woods, right now Lee would be on a shortlist of such candidates.¡±
The United States Golf Association also praised the 1.81-m player for his explosive shots and aggressive putting by saying, ¡°He shredded it (Pinehurst No.2) like mincemeat.¡±
With his victory, Lee also wins an opportunity to play against Woods next year. The U.S. Amateur winner qualifies for both the U.S. Masters and U.S. Open. In the U.S. Open, he will be paired for the first two rounds with the previous year¡¯s U.S. Open winner -- which happens to be Tiger.
Lee said that he endured pain from a shoulder injury in his quarterfinal match to get a shot at realizing his dream. ¡°I am going to beat him,¡± he said.
(englishnews@chosun.com )
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