Veteran Lee Sang-hee Takes the Lead "I Like Big Matches"... Lee Tae-hee "5-Under Par Daily Best"

'National Title' Korea Open Day 2: Ok Tae-hoon Joins Tied 2nd, Lee Jung-hwan Tied 5th, 'Domestic No. 1' Kim Bi-o Chases at Tied 10th

Lee Sang-hee is examining the putting line on the 11th hole on the second day of the Korean Open.

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "A stage I've dreamed of since childhood."

‘Veteran’ Lee Sang-hee (30, Mugunghwa Trust) quickly took over the top of the leaderboard (5-under 137) by adding 3-under par on the second day of the Kolon Korean Open (total prize money 1.35 billion KRW) held on the 24th at Woongjeong Hills Golf Club in Cheonan, Chungnam (par 71, 7,326 yards). He recorded 5 birdies and 2 bogeys. "The tee shots landed on the fairway, and the iron shots were accurate course attacks leaving uphill putts," he said, expressing confidence by adding, "I have secured the momentum."

Lee Sang-hee debuted in the Korea Professional Golfers' Association (KPGA) in 2011 and gained the spotlight by winning the NH Nonghyup Open in October. It is noteworthy that he was the youngest winner on the Korean Tour (19 years, 6 months, and 10 days). At that time, he beat Kim Bi-o (32, Hoban Construction)'s 2010 Johnny Walker Open victory (19 years, 11 months, and 18 days) by 5 months. It is interesting that Kim Joo-hyung (20, CJ Logistics) broke the record again in July 2020 at the KPGA Gunsan CC Open (18 years and 21 days).

Lee Sang-hee's victory at the KPGA Championship in August 2012 directly led to the year-end ‘Player of the Year’ award. While concurrently playing on the Japan Golf Tour Organization (JGTO) tour, he reached a total of 4 wins including the SK Telecom Open in May 2016 and the Maeil Business Newspaper Open in May 2017. He enlisted in March 2020, served as an artillery soldier in the Army’s 7th Division, and was discharged last October, returning to the Korean Tour. "It was my first time experiencing something new outside of golf," he said, adding, "Marching once a week actually became a driving force to strengthen my lower body."

In May, he fine-tuned his winning shot sense by finishing tied for 2nd at the Woori Financial Championship. The birdie on the final 18th hole (par 5) that put him in the lead by one stroke holds special meaning. "I attacked from 235 meters with a 3-wood and easily made a birdie with a short approach shot," said Lee Sang-hee, who also revealed his hunter instinct by saying, "I will clearly separate attacking and defensive holes over the remaining two days" and "I definitely want to take home the National Title trophy."

Lee Tae-hee is watching the ball immediately after the tee shot on the 14th hole on the second day of the Korean Open.

Lee Tae-hee (38) led the daily best with 5-under par and, along with Ok Tae-hoon (24, Geumgang Housing) and Jerrin Todd (USA), stood tied for 2nd place by one stroke (4-under par 138). Lee Jung-hwan (31), Moon Kyung-jun (40, NH Nonghyup Bank), Lee Hyung-jun (30), and Hwang Do-yeon (29) are chasing from tied 5th place (3-under par 139). ‘Domestic No. 1’ Kim Bi-o is positioned at tied 10th place (1-under par 141). He is 4 strokes behind the leader, still in a good position to contend for the win. Defending champion Lee Jun-seok (Australia) remained tied for 31st place (2-over par 144).