Lee Dae-han poses with the winner's trophy. [Photo=KPGA]
Lee Dae-han poses with the winner's trophy. [Photo=KPGA]

Lee Dae-han claimed the inaugural title at the KPGA Tour Amazing Cree Open, which carried a purse of 700 million won ($523,000).

Lee fired five birdies against one bogey in the final round Sunday at Flamingo Country Club (par 70) in Dangjin, South Chungcheong Province, finishing at 18-under-par 262 to edge runner-up Brandon Kewalamanee of the United States by one stroke. The winner's share was 140 million won.

The victory was Lee's second on the KPGA Tour, coming 23 months after his first title at the 2024 KPGA Tour Championship in November of that year. In his post-round interview, Lee said his wife was the first person who came to mind. "She has been so supportive of our family while raising our child," he said. "I really wanted a second win, and it came sooner than I expected — I'm truly happy."

He added that the outcome remained uncertain deep into the final hole. "The gap between Brandon and me never got very wide, and even standing on the 18th tee I thought we were tied. Playing a steady, composed round today is what allowed me to win in the end," he said.

Lee had entered the final round tied for the lead with Kewalamanee. Back-to-back birdies on the 13th and 14th holes gave him sole possession of first place, and he carried a one-stroke advantage to the par-5 18th.

Lee laid up to the green in three and two-putted for par to close out the round. Kewalamanee, needing a birdie to force a playoff, attempted an eagle putt with his putter from 30 yards short of the hole but came up short, and his subsequent 4-meter birdie attempt also missed.

Jeon Ga-ram posted a 3-under-par 67 on the final day — five birdies, two bogeys — to finish alone in third at 15-under 265. Moon Dong-hyun and Jo Woo-young both finished at 14-under 266 to share fourth place.


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