South Korea’s Lee Jung-hwan produced a sensational seven-under-par 64 on Sunday to clinch his first DP World Tour victory at the Genesis Championship, winning by three strokes at Woo Jeong Hills Country Club.
Ranked 451st in the world, Lee began the final round four shots off the pace but surged through the field with five consecutive birdies from the 3rd to the 7th hole. Two more birdies on the back nine pulled him level with Spain’s Nacho Elvira before a birdie at the 18th sealed the win.
Elvira slipped back with two late bogeys, while England’s Laurie Canter shared second place.
“I really, really wanted to go to the DP World Tour and was working hard towards that goal,” said the 34-year-old Lee. “It feels like a dream to win at home. I’m just really grateful for this opportunity.”
After an early bogey at the 2nd, Lee’s flawless iron play and sharp putting set up one of the rounds of his life.
“I thought it was over after missing my tee shot at 12,” he said. “But I managed to save par, and that’s when I felt things start to turn.”
Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama, who began the day three strokes behind, closed with a one-under 70 to finish tied-seventh, five shots adrift. Australia’s Adam Scott carded a final-round 72 to end in a tie for 30th.
South Africa’s Richard Sterne shared 14th on five under after shooting 70, with countryman Jacques Kruyswijk (71) two strokes behind.
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– AFP
Photo: Jan Kruger/Getty Images
Article Link: Jung-hwan captures maiden DP World Tour title