Danny Lee becomes first Kiwi to win on PGA Tour in 10 years

Danny Lee claims his maiden victory on the PGA Tour at the 2015 Greenbrier Classic.

Danny Lee has survived a four-man playoff to win the Greenbrier Classic and become the first New Zealander to win on the PGA Tour in 10 years.

The last New Zealander to win on the US PGA Tour was when Michael Campbell won the US Open in 2005 – prior to that it was Craig Perks’ remarkable victory at the 2002 PLAYERS Championship.

Lee made par at the second playoff to win the tournament after being tied at 13-under with David Hearn, Kevin Kisner and Robert Streb after four rounds. The victory was Lee’s first on the PGA Tour and earn himself a spot in The Open Championship at St.Andrews in a few weeks time.

Lee has always been considered one of golf’s future stars. The South Korean born Kiwi became the youngest ever golfer to win the US Amateur Championship in 2008, won the Johnnie Walker Classic in Perth in 2009 and played in The Masters just a few months later.

Lee’s form has been inconsistent ever since, winning on the Web.com Tour in 2011 and earning his PGA Tour card via the secondary tour on several occasions.

Some may have wondered whether Lee’s chance to shine in the golf spotlight may have come and gone but it is easy to forget that Lee is just 24 years old. This impressive clutch victory will be a huge confidence boost for Lee and for Kiwi golf fans around the world. It’s been a long wait.

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