Lee edges Kawalamani by one stroke for second career win
Lee Dae-han claimed the inaugural title at the Amazing Cree Open, a newly established KPGA Tour event with a purse of 700 million won ($523,000).
Lee fired a 4-under-par 66 in the final round Sunday at Flamingo Country Club (par 70) in Dangjin, South Chungcheong Province, carding five birdies against one bogey. His 18-under-par total of 262 edged American Brandon Kawalamani — who finished at 17-under 263 — by one stroke, earning Lee the winner's check of 140 million won.
Lee, who made his KPGA Tour debut in 2010, secured his second career victory 23 months after winning the 2024 KPGA Tour Championship in November of that year.
Lee and Kawalamani entered the final round tied for the lead. Lee picked up three strokes on the front nine but slowed with a bogey on the par-4 10th hole. He regrouped with consecutive birdies on the par-3 13th and par-4 14th to take sole possession of the lead, then carried a one-stroke advantage into the par-5 18th.
Kawalamani, needing an eagle on the 18th to force a tie, sent his second shot to the edge of the green and attempted a putt from about 30 yards, but the ball stopped 4 meters short of the cup. His birdie putt also missed, and he settled for par.
Lee then put his third shot on the green and two-putted for par to seal the victory.
Jeon Ga-ram finished third at 15-under 265, while Moon Dong-hyun and Jo Woo-young shared fourth at 14-under 266.
yjc@heraldcorp.com
