Lee becomes youngest US Amateur winner

BY iseekgolf.com | US Mens Amateur Tour | 2008 US Amateur Championship | Grand Final | 25 Aug 2008

Danny Lee has claimed the Havemeyer Trophy to became the youngest ever winner of the US Amateur. The world number one defeated American Drew Kittleson of Scottsdale 5&4 in this championship final this morning.

At 18 years and 1 month, Lee topped Tiger Woods’ efforts as the youngest winner, who was 18 years, 7 months, when he won the first of his three consecutive US Amateur titles in 1994.

“I’m very excited and it’s been a great few weeks,” said Lee.

As finalists, both Lee and Kittleson earn an exemption into next year’s US Open as well as a likely invitation to the 2009 Masters, both contingent on them remaining amateurs. In addition, as champion, Lee will be exempt into the 2009 British Open and qualify for the 12th Georgia Cup Match, which will pit him against reigning British Amateur winner Reinier Saxton of The Netherlands in March next year at the Golf Club of Georgia.

Lee today was taking it all in his stride, excited about the future and the rewards associated with being the US Amateur Champion.

“I putted really well this week, felt comfortable around the greens and was able to sink some putts at the right time. I cannot wait now for next year and to play in those Majors.”

Lee showed no signs of the niggling shoulder injury he occasioned on the range on Saturday, as he adopted his customary aggressive opening attack on Pinehurst’s No.2 layout. Lee trailed just once in the match and headed into the second 18 with a 5-up cushion thanks to six birdies and he simply didn’t let up.

He recorded seven more on his way to winning the championship final, shooting the equivalent of 11-under-par and to top it all off he nailed a 35-foot birdie putt on the 14th hole to wrap up the final.

“My game is the best it’s been and after eleven weeks playing I’m ready for a rest,” said Lee, who earlier this month won the Western Amateur and last week tied for 20th at the PGA Tour’s Wyndham Championship where he played on a sponsor exemption.

Today’s win tops off a dream run for Lee who was playing in his third US Amateur. This season Lee has secured five top-10 finishes in US major amateur tournaments from six starts, including winning the Western Amateur and claiming the world’s top ranked amateur position from American Rickie Fowler after taking the medallist honours at the Western Amateur.

Lee also secured the William C. Campbell Award following the Porter Cup, a prize given to the player to record the low aggregate score in the Northeast Amateur, Players Amateur and Porter Cup.

Prior to this week’s US Amateur Lee was considering attending qualifying school later in the year in an attempt to gain his US tour card. On Saturday he stated that he’d be remaining an amateur, at least for the short term.

“I’ve got the US Open and The Masters to play now,” said Lee at the press conference after making the final.

Lee will return to New Zealand later this week for a much deserved break. It’s certainly has been a whirlwind few months for Lee, who back in July at the Southern Amateur was trying to figure out what was wrong with his iron play. Since then he’s played peerless golf and dominated the world amateur stage.

No one at Pinehurst came close to Lee during the championship. It was a faultless display of golf from one of the games most promising prospects and the result is rightfully deserved for Lee.

“This week has been great and I’m feeling pretty tired with all the golf, it’s time for a rest but winning today certainly makes you feel great.”