Rory Who? Danny Lee is the New Teen Sensation

by Ryan Ballengee on Feb 23, 2009 10:49 AM EST

Rory McIlroy, step aside. We have a new teen pop king on the European Tour and his name is Danny Lee. Lee is the reigning US Amateur champion, which he won last year to become its youngest champion in over a century of history.

With his victory at the US Am, he earned invites to the major championships. He retained his amateur status so that he could take advantage of his free Masters bid - unlike Colt Knost.

In the interim, the New Zealander Lee wanted to play some tune up professional events. He played in this week's Johnnie Walker Classic on the European Tour as part of that tour.

Just two out of the lead entering Sunday, Lee made a charge on the final six holes. He birdied four of them, including the last two, to win the Johnnie Walker Classic and become the youngest winner in the history of the European Tour. He became the second amateur (Pablo Martin in 2007 the other) to win on the European Tour.

What's more - as the Constructivist points out - this was no slouch field. Anthony Kim was there, along with Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter, and others.

The field that Lee beat was not quite as good as the one McIlroy topped. Still, the way in which Lee won - surging, not holding on for dear life - was much more impressive.

The bottom line? The European Tour is getting younger more quickly than the PGA Tour and that is exciting for golf.

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what is it about golf down under ?

Amateurs seem to win on their pro tour every year. Aaron Baddeley got his first win at home as an amateur, then won the same tournament the next year as a pro.

Lee has a LOT of game ! He’ll be fun to watch…and xxx Golf Channel people will like him because they can pronounce his name.

"this ball will fit in that fairway"

by courtgolf on Feb 23, 2009 11:29 AM EST reply actions

I honestly believe both Rory and Danny will far exceed

any accomplishments by Tiger Woods. I envision 20-25 majors apiece and at least 100 worldwide tournament wins. I also believe I will win the U.S. Amateur the next 5 years in a row.

Of the past 10 Amateur winners, seven of them have combined for a single tour victory and zero majors. Sergio has played in professional major championships since The Open in 1996 and has yet to win. I cannot wait see both Danny and Rory on our tour, but I’ll keep the superlatives to myself until they win a major or at least catch Boo Weekley in regular wins.

by One-Eyed Golfer Guy on Feb 23, 2009 12:26 PM EST reply actions

LOL !!

Need a caddy ? :-)

"this ball will fit in that fairway"

by courtgolf on Feb 23, 2009 12:38 PM EST up reply actions

Correct me if I am wrong,

but the money is better in the PGA. Do you forsee it being long until these guys jump over to full time PGA players and part time European Tour guys?

"I have come that you may have life, and life to the max"

by MNeilson on Feb 23, 2009 3:31 PM EST reply actions

That's true

But the difference is slowing eroding. And the Race to Dubai may keep these young guys’ interest. Honestly, I think we’re going to start seeing more players spend time on both Tours. Depending on the individual, they’ll lean to one or the other.

by Ryan Ballengee on Feb 23, 2009 3:36 PM EST up reply actions