Golf: Old clubmates backing Lee's US Open bid

Danny Lee will tee off during the first round of the US Open this morning in Washington. Photo / Getty Images

Members of Danny Lee's former golf club in Rotorua will be keenly following his progress when he tees up at the 115th US Open this morning.

Lee last played in a golf major as an amateur, during The Masters in 2009, and will compete in his second major to date during the US Open at Chambers Bay in Washington starting today.

Lee played much of his golf as a teenager at Springfield Golf Club in Rotorua, the same club which named their annual tournament after him - the Danny Lee Springfield Open.

Springfield president Brent Frew said some of the members at the club were still friends with him on Facebook and would often send him messages wishing him luck.

He said while there was no organised party or venue to watch his progress this weekend, many at the club would be following Lee's game from their homes.

"The majority [of the club members] have Sky set up at home, so we will all be watching over the weekend," Frew said.

Frew said Lee had been playing some excellent golf.

"He is running so hot at the moment and hopefully that inspires the other Kiwis on the PGA Tour like Tim Wilkinson and Steven Alker."

Lee, 24, the 2008 US Amateur champion, made his way into the US Open field this year following a tough qualifying tournament in Ohio.

Lee will play his first two rounds with American Daniel Summerhays and South African Thomas Aiken. The Kiwi tees off his first round at 9.06am today and his second round at 3.06am tomorrow.

The 24-year-old recorded two top-15 finishes on the PGA Tour last month but is in for a tough challenge this weekend, with top players and experts alike having spoken about how tough and unforgiving Washington's Chambers Bay course will be.

World No1 Rory McIlroy was reported talking about the course this week.

"I think a place like this can separate the field a lot. This is the sort of golf course that if you're just slightly off, it'll magnify that.

"But it'll really reward people that are hitting good shots and are confident and their short games are sharp."

Lee posted on Twitter last weekend, thanking his fans for their support heading into the big tournament.

"Thank you so much everyone!! I'm ready for my 1st US open next week! So excited," he posted.

Lee still has a good relationship with the Springfield Golf Club, financially supporting the Springfield Open each year.

He also spent some time practising at the club following r the end of the PGA Tour season last year, during a trip back to Rotorua, Frew said.

Tee off times
Danny Lee at US Open:
•Round one (today): 9.06am
•Round two (tomorrow): 3.06am
•Round three (Sunday): Decided after the cut
•Round four (Monday): Decided after the third round