'Qualified for Preliminary' Lee Dong-min "I'm the Match King"..."After 7 Years and 2 Months"

Lee Dong-min is cheering while holding the trophy immediately after winning the Munsingwear Match Play. Photo by KPGA

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "I am the Match King."

In his 13th year on the tour, Lee Dong-min (36) defeated Lee Tae-hoon (Canada) by 1 hole in the final of the KPGA Korean Tour Descente Korea Munsingwear Match Play (total prize money 800 million KRW) held on the 6th at De Beach Golf Course in Geoje City, Gyeongnam (par 72, 7,157 yards). Having advanced to the round of 64 as a joint 15th in the qualifiers, he climbed all the way to the top, drawing even more spotlight. This is his second career win after a long 7 years and 2 months since his first victory at the 2014 Dongbu Fire Promy Open, with a winner's prize of 160 million KRW.

Lee Dong-min endured a grueling schedule, playing 7 rounds over five days including the qualifiers. He recorded 5 wins and 1 draw in the main rounds, and in the final, the match was tightly contested all square until the 17th hole (par 3), before he secured a crucial birdie on the final 18th hole (par 5). "I gave my all in every match," he cheered, adding, "The three group league matches against Hong Soon-sang were probably the most important." He also expressed his ambition, saying, "Having won early in the season, I will challenge for the season-long award." Heo In-hoe (34) finished third, defeating Park Eun-shin (31) by 2 holes in the third and fourth place match.