NZLA former top-ranked amateur and winner of the 2008 U.S. Amateur at age 18, Danny Lee has carved out a solid professional career since turning pro, winning three times across multiple tours before joining the LIV Golf League. Lee authored one of the most thrilling individual victories in LIV Golf history in 2023, claiming LIV Golf Tucson with a 25-foot birdie putt from off the green for a walk-off playoff victory. Lee was born in South Korea but emigrated to New Zealand when he was 8 years old and has represented that country at international competitions, including the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
QUICK FACTS ...
Greatest influence on golfing career? Kevin Na
Golfer you most admire? Kevin Na
Number of holes-in-one? 4?
If you could play any course in the world, it would be … Las Vegas CC
Golf achievement you’re most proud of? LIV Golf win
Round of golf you’ve enjoyed the most? I don’t have one
Your perfect golf shot? Tight 8-iron
Shot that gives you the most difficulty? Hitting it 400 yards
Stats
Won 2023 LIV Golf Tucson in his second start, making birdie on the third playoff hole to win a four-man playoff
Has won four times since turning pro in 2009, with each win coming on a different tour
One of his wins came at Greenbrier, which hosts a LIV Golf tournament in 2023
Won the U.S. Amateur at Pinehurst in 2008 at the age of 18 years, 1 month to set the record (since broken) as that tournament’s youngest winner
Was ranked as the world’s top amateur in 2008 and remained at that position until turning pro the next year
Reached a career-best 34th in the world in 2016
Born in South Korea, he is now a citizen of New Zealand and has represented that country in several team competitions
Competed in the 2016 Olympics at Rio de Janeiro, finishing T27 in the men’s golf competition
STARTS AND FINISHES
Masters
Starts: 2
Best finish: T17 (2016)
Top 10s: 0
Cuts made: 1
PGA Championship
Starts: 5
Best finish: T36 (2019)
Top 10s: 0
Cuts made: 4
U.S. Open
Starts: 4
Best finish: T57 (2016
Top 10s: 0
Cuts made: 2
Open Championship
Starts: 2
Best finish:
Top 10s: 0
Cuts made: 0