Golf: Lee makes impressive pro debut with early second place in China

DONGGUAN -New Zealand teenager Eddie Lee showed a champion's touch to mark his professional golf debut in style at the US$1 million ($2.03 million) TCL Classic in Dongguan, China, yesterday.

Lee shot an opening round of four-under 68 to earn a share of second place, one shot shy of Korea's Ted Oh.

Alongside Lee are Englishman Lee Westwood, Myanmar's Zaw Moe, Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee, Gerald Rosales, of the Philippines, and Korean pair Joon Chung and Charlie Wi.

American John Daly and Scotland's Colin Montgomerie both carded two-under 70s and New Zealand's top player, Michael Campbell, signed for a 73.

Lee, 18, overcame early nerves to post birdies on the opening two holes in a dream start to what many consider will be a lucrative career.

Starting on the back nine, he pushed his opening drive wide at the par-five 10th and watched as the ball cannoned off a cart path to end in an awkward, sloping lie.

Lee responded by striking a mighty four-iron just short of the green from where he needed only a chip and one putt.

He then nailed his approach iron to within four metres of the flag at the next hole to go to two-under.

He also pocketed birdies at the first and second holes.



"I was a little bit nervous on the first tee but not nervous in that I was shaking ... only nervous because this is my first pro event," Lee said. "It's just good to start well and it will be nice to keep it going into the next three rounds."

Irishman Paul McGinley, one of Lee's playing partners, walked off the course impressed with the young New Zealander.

"He has a huge amount of potential, though he is still a little raw, but that is only normal for any 18-year-old."

- NZPA