Lee Kyoung-hoon defends title at AT&T Byron Nelson

Golf

Published: 16 May. 2022, 14:55 Updated: 16 May. 2022, 15:35

Lee Kyoung-hoon defends title at AT&T Byron Nelson

Lee Kyoung-Hoon holds up the AT&T Byron Nelson trophy after winning at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas on Sunday. [AP/YONHAP]

Lee Kyoung-hoon defended his PGA title for the first time ever at the AT&T Byron Nelson with a one-stroke victory over Jordan Spieth on Sunday.

After a career best 9-under 63 on Sunday, Lee carded an overall 26-under-par, 262, to clinch his second-ever PGA trophy.

Lee, who competes as K.H. Lee, became the event’s first repeat winner since 1980, when Tom Watson defended his title. Lee now joins golf legends Watson, Sam Snead and Jack Nicklaus as only the fourth golfer to successfully defend an AT&T Byron Nelson title.

Lee went into the final round with a four-shot deficit but made up for that difference with seven birdies and one eagle to repeat his success at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas. His overall score of 26-under, 262, was one stroke lower than last year’s winning score.

Last May, Lee picked up his first ever PGA Tour win at TPC Craig Ranch, bagging his first victory on American soil 11 years after turning pro.

Lee had to overcome tough competition, a crowded leaderboard, heavy rain and even lightning in the final round to lock in a score at 6-under, 66, to win that tournament.

Once again, his final round on Sunday was what won him the trophy, birdying the par-4 second and par-4 third, then adding two more in a row on the par-5 fifth, par-4 sixth, then one more on the par-5 ninth. On the par-5 12th, Lee's driver shot landed 308 yards to the left fairway, then his second shot landed right on the green, leaving him with an eagle putt of 4 foot six inches. Lee sunk that ball with no problem, adding an all-important eagle.

His form carried on to the next hole, birdying the par-4 13th, then picked up his last birdie on the par-5 18th to win him the trophy.

Hometown star Spieth, who was chasing his career 14th title, closed with a 67, one short of Lee’s score.

“It's amazing feeling,” said Lee in a post-tournament interview. “So I can't believe, still feels like dreaming, but last year and this year still make good memories.”

Lee now joins countryman Im Sung-jae as the second Korean golfer to win on the PGA Tour this season. Despite his spectacular form at the AT&T Byron Nelson, Lee has been struggling this season, unable to find a top-10 finish. His best result was at the Shriners Children’s Open, finishing tied for 14th.

Just a month ago, Lee was struggling with his form following three successive missed cuts. But his second PGA title puts him up at No. 28 on the FedEx Cup points list, 88 spots above his previous No. 116 position.

“I have been struggling the last couple of months,” said Lee.

“I couldn't find the right way to solve the problems, so I decide to go back to the times when I was good and comfortable. I switched back to old coach and got advice from my metal coach. That helped a lot. Then last week, I changed my putter to the 2-ball putter. Last year [before the win], I switched from 2-ball to blade and then won this tournament. I make a lot of putts this week, so, so happy. It is very interesting.”

Lee Kyoung-Hoon plays his shot from the second tee during the third round of the AT&T Byron Nelson at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas. [USA TODAY/YONHAP]

Lee Kyoung-Hoon reacts during his eagle attempt on the 18th green during the final round of the AT&T Byron Nelson at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas. [USA TODAY/YONHAP]

Alongside the eagle he made on the 12th, Lee acknowledged that his par save from 12 feet on the par-3 17th in the final round was what proved pivotal in the end.

“Honestly, [I was] very nervous over there,” Lee said. “I know it's a very important putt to make a par. Jordan and a lot of guys coming just one behind and I know a lot of guys can make birdie at 18, so I needed to make the putt. It's very difficult. I pray and then make the putt. Sometimes, like I need to believe in myself, but just need, Oh, God, like, please, pray.”

Lee, who competed in front of his young daughter and his parents in Texas, was happy to hear he was the fourth golfer ever to defend an AT&T Byron Nelson title.

“I heard that,” said Lee. “ It's amazing, I can't believe it. Just hopefully people remember my name, but, yeah, I try to play well more, so hopefully more will remember my name.”

BY YUN SO-HYANG [yun.sohyang@joongang.co.kr]