TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwanese golfer Lee Chieh-po (李玠柏) won his first Asian Tour event at the International Series Thailand on Sunday (Oct. 27), claiming prize money of NT$11.55 million (US$360,000).
The 29-year-old Lee entered the final round with a 14-under par 196, sharing second place with five competitors. Lee saved his best golf for the end, carding eight birdies in the decisive round, as his putting adapted well to fast greens at the Thai Country Club, per PTS.
However, competitors such as US Christian Bankey largely kept pace with an eagle putt on the 17th hole. And Korean Canadian Richard T. Lee kept the competition close with a birdie on the 16th hole.
And after grabbing another birdie on the par-five 17th, Lee narrowed Peter Uihlein’s lead to one stroke. Uihlein had led the tournament since the second round, entering the final round with a three-shot lead.
Riding a wave of momentum, Lee’s putter remained hot as he drained a 12-foot putt. Meanwhile, Uihlein found himself sidelined in a greenside bunker, eventually unable to save par, handing Lee the narrow victory.
Lee finished the tournament with a final score of 21-under-par, 259. Lee would win the tournament by one stroke, besting second-place finishers Richard T. Lee and Peter Uihlein.
Lee credited his strong performance with adjustments to his swing path, which he undertook at the end of the 2023 season. Lee said his performance was improving, especially in tee shots and putting.
In the past, Lee had come close in many Asian Tour events, such as two runner-up finishes and five top-5 finishes. With his first Asian Tour victory, Lee said a dream came true adding, "It’s been an amazing week."
