Lee Sanghee, 33, Active on Korean and Japanese Tours: "My Dream Is Still the PGA Tour"

Four Career KPGA Wins, Youngest Champion in Tour History
Over 50% Cut Rate Every Season, Exceptional Consistency
Training in Fitness and Short Game to Compete with Younger Players
Aiming for Domestic Victory Before Challenging the U.S. Tour

The young man who was once a 19-year-old rookie has now become a 33-year-old veteran. This is the story of Lee Sanghee, who is active on both the Korean and Japanese tours. Marking his 15th year since his tour debut, he recently shared in an interview with Asia Economy at Namseoul Golf Practice Range in Bundang-gu, Seongnam, that "time has really flown by," but added, "There are still many things I want to achieve and try." He continued, "The reason I started playing golf was because I wanted to compete on the PGA Tour," and affirmed, "It won't be easy, but I will work even harder toward that goal."

Lee Sanghee, who has been a professional for 15 years, stated, "I want to show that I have the competitiveness to win again this year in both Korea and Japan." Bundang - Photo by No Urae

Lee Sanghee, a former member of the national reserve team, stood out from a young age. He made a strong impression as soon as he debuted on the Korean Professional Golf Association (KPGA) Tour in 2011. In October of his first year, he won the NH Nonghyup Open, setting the record as the youngest KPGA Tour pro to win at 19 years, 6 months, and 10 days old. Reflecting on that time, he modestly said, "I was lucky." The following year, he secured two wins in the season, including the 55th KPGA Championship at the SBS Happiness event, and finished in the top five four times, winning the grand prize in just his second year.

He pursued bigger dreams by challenging himself on the Japanese stage. In 2012, he topped the qualifying school for the Japan Golf Tour Organization (JGTO). Explaining, "I needed diverse experiences to reach the PGA Tour," he said, "I chose Japan as the first step." Lee shared, "I learned a lot on the JGTO. It was an environment where players could focus solely on golf," and added, "Although I haven't won yet, I have no regrets because of the experiences I've gained overseas."

Although he performed in both Korea and Japan, balancing the two tours was not easy. There were physical limitations. Nevertheless, he claimed victory at the SK Telecom Open in 2016 and the GS Caltex Maekyung Open in 2017.

Sanghee Lee is smiling brightly while holding the trophy after winning the 2016 SK Telecom Open. Photo by KPGA

Since 2023, he has focused on the domestic tour. Last year, he played in 10 tournaments, and this year, he has participated in 20 tournaments. With four top-10 finishes, including a tie for fifth at the Hana Bank Invitational, he ranked 13th in Genesis Points (3,286 points) and 23rd on the money list (254.69 million won). He commented, "KPGA players' skills have definitely improved," and added, "As exchanges with overseas tours become more active, there are more opportunities to challenge on bigger stages."

Lee Sanghee's strength is consistency. Since his KPGA Tour debut, his cut-making rate has never fallen below 50%, and he has maintained over 50% on the JGTO from 2013 to last year. This year, he has one runner-up finish and three top-10s in eight tournaments. He is currently ranked fifth in average strokes (70.15), ninth in Genesis Points (1,663 points), and 15th on the money list (166.14 million won). He stated, "You have to make the cut to have a chance to win," and expressed his determination, "I want to compete for the title more often going forward."

Born in 1992, he is now called a "veteran" on tour, but he smiled and said, "I think I'm still somewhere in the middle," adding, "Age doesn't matter. What matters is maintaining the ability to win."

Sanghee Lee maintains competitiveness through long-lasting exercise and short game training. Photo by Nowrae Noh, Bundang

He is also putting a lot of effort into physical training. Last year, he held an off-season training camp in Spain. Rather than simply bulking up, he focused on weight training tailored for golf, as well as core, balance, and flexibility training. He evaluated, "As my physical strength improved, my ability to maintain the flow of the game also got better."

After the KPGA Gunsan CC Open in June, he took a two-month break, but his schedule became even busier. He participated in events such as the Richard Mille Charity Tournament in Japan, and is currently ranked 41st on the JGTO money list (9,400,421 yen).

He did not forget to offer advice to his juniors. He said, "Young players are so talented that they have the skills to succeed on any tour," and advised, "I hope they dream bigger and take on the challenge of the PGA Tour."

Lee Sanghee is talking about his dream of advancing to the PGA Tour. Photo by No Urae

Lee Sanghee's goal for this year is to win on the domestic tour. Eight years have passed since he last lifted a winner's trophy. Despite competing without a main sponsor due to a slump in results, he emphasized, "I really want to win in the second half of this year. I will perform consistently in every tournament to reach the top ranks in Genesis Points." Top finishers in Genesis Points are given opportunities to advance to the DP World Tour or PGA Tour. He expressed his confidence, saying, "I am also eager for the special privileges on overseas tours, and I will show that Lee Sanghee is still going strong."