South Korea's Lee Jung-hwan surges to first DP World Tour win / Photo: Jung Yeon-je - AFP
South Korea's Lee Jung-hwan surges to first DP World Tour win
South Korea's Lee Jung-hwan came from behind with a seven-under-par 64 in the final round to win the Genesis Championship by three strokes on home soil Sunday for his first DP World Tour title.
The 451st-ranked Lee, who started the last day at Woo Jeong Hills Country Club four shots off the lead, triumphed ahead of England's Laurie Canter and Spain's Nacho Elvira.
Lee, who will now take up membership on the DP World Tour, said he felt like he was "in a dream" after winning in front of his home fans.
"I really, really wanted to go to the DP World Tour and I was actually working really hard towards that goal, but somehow I was coming up short a little bit," said the 34-year-old.
"I was really making the effort and now I have this really great opportunity. I'm just really grateful."
Lee looked out of the running when he carded a bogey on the second hole but he followed that up with five straight birdies.
That sent him rocketing into contention and two more birdies saw him join Elvira at the top of the leaderboard.
Lee then birdied the last hole as Elvira finished with two bogeys to complete a stunning turnaround.
"I think overall I played very well but on 12 I had a tee-miss shot and I thought I was done there," said Lee.
"I was able to save that ball and that's when I thought the tables are turning and the gods are looking down on me."
Japan's Hideki Matsuyama, who began the final day three shots off the lead, finished in a tie for seventh, five strokes behind the champion.
Australia's Adam Scott finished tied for 30th.
Y.Ingvar--MP
