By TONY WEBECK
He’s in contention to be crowned the European Tour’s Golfer of the Month and tournament organisers expect Min Woo Lee to carry that form into this week’s Qatar Masters at Doha Golf Club.
Along with Kiwi Ryan Fox – who is enjoying a week off to marry long-time partner Anneke this week – Lee has been nominated for the Golfer of the Month award, significant given February was Lee’s first full month as a professional.
The 20-year-old was fourth in just his second start at the Saudi International and converted a trip home to Perth into a tie for fifth at the ISPS Handa World Super 6 Perth.
That earned him a start at last week’s Oman Open and although he missed the cut after a hectic travel schedule, those behind the Qatar Masters had no hesitation in extending an invitation to join the field this week.
“We’re delighted to welcome Min Woo Lee to this year’s Commercial Bank Qatar Masters,” said tournament director Gary McGlinchey. “He has already proven he can compete at the highest level and we’re sure he will be a factor at Doha Golf Club.”
Currently 34th in the Race to Dubai standings, Lee has made an immediate impression with his length off the tee, averaging 322 yards to rank fourth in the Strokes Gained: Off The Tee statistical category.
Driving has proven to be a key contributor to success at Doha Golf Club in years gone by, with Adam Scott a two-time winner (2002, 2008) and Spanish long bomber Alvaro Quiros victorious at the 7,400-yard layout in 2009.
Aussie pair Jake McLeod and Deyen Lawson will have the honour of leading the field out from the first and 10th tees, respectively, from 2.25pm AEDT today, with Queensland’s Scott Hend to follow 90 minutes later.
Lee has been drawn to play with Quiros and Finland’s Mikko Korhonen in the opening two rounds with Nick Cullen and Lucas Herbert to commence their tournament among the afternoon groups.
