Propelled by nine birdies in the morning and a pivotal tee shot in the late afternoon, Lee Chieh-po triumphed in the arduous 36-hole LIV Golf Promotions finale on Saturday, securing a coveted position in the league's 2025 season.
At 30 years of age, Lee is the inaugural player from Chinese Taipei to attain full-time status in LIV Golf. He aspires that his triumph and participation in the league will motivate fellow golfers from his nation.
“It holds significant importance for our players,” stated the Asian Tour regular, who achieved victory for the first time at this year’s International Series Thailand. LIV Golf represents the aspiration of numerous players. I will go there, and they will arrive.
Lee, referred to as Max in English, achieved a two-round total of 10 under par at Riyadh Golf Club, securing victory by two strokes over Asian Tour competitor Taichi Kho and former LIV Golf player Branden Grace in the final-day field of 20 participants. Ninety-two participants begin the week aspiring for an opportunity to join LIV Golf.
All players that finish in the top 10 will be granted exemptions for all 10 tournaments in The International Series in 2025. Six players on the final standings were not previously ranked. American Ollie Schniederjans and Australians Brett Coletta and Jack Buchanan, who tied for fourth at five under; Germany’s Max Rottluff, in solitary seventh at four under; and Korea’s Soomin Lee and England’s David Horsey, who were part of the four-way tie for eighth at three under.
They pursued Lee following his seven-under 64 in the morning round, which featured nine birdies, four of which occurred in the last five holes. That provided him with a two-shot advantage over Schniederjans, who recorded a bogey-free 66.
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Lee Chieh-po, the victor and qualifier of the 2024 LIV Golf Promotions. Photograph by Montana Pritchard/LIV Golf.
Lee maintained dominance throughout the afternoon, completing the turn with a one-shot advantage over Grace, who had just recorded his fourth birdie of the day at the 11th hole.
Lee appeared to be distancing himself with a three-stroke advantage as the round progressed. However, an inadequate strategy at the par-four 16th led to a bogey. “I struck it significantly to the left, and I found myself laughing, questioning my actions.” Lee remembered.
Upon completing the 18th hole with a birdie, Grace and Kho's lead diminished to a solitary stroke as they approached the par-three 17th, the most challenging course on the back nine this week.
At that moment, he ascended and executed the most significant shot of the day, his tee ball almost sliding into the hole. Following a birdie, he avoided complications at the 18th to secure his victory.
“I attempted to recalibrate my thoughts,” Lee stated. "The shot at Hole No. 17 is crucial." I executed an excellent tee shot.
Grace observed from the clubhouse as Lee completed his round. He aspired to reclaim his position with Stinger GC through a victory this week; nevertheless, the team might still justify his retention in the squad.
“Performed well, exerted maximum effort,” Grace stated. “It was a successful attempt.” I will return home and take a vacation.
Schniederjans, the former top-ranked amateur rehabilitating from career-impeding injuries, found motivation in his competitive performance this week.
“I possess considerable confidence regarding the direction of all matters,” he stated. “I had to execute numerous impressive putts and shots under pressure, so it was gratifying to witness that.” It further enhanced my confidence. However, I possess considerable confidence in my future.
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Lee possesses an exceptionally elevated level of confidence. A hip injury last year necessitated swing modifications, although a sustained period of performance this season, culminating in a triumph in Thailand where he surpassed LIV Golf competitor Peter Uihlein, demonstrates his skill.
He is now prepared to compete in LIV Golf and to fully engage with all that the global league presents.
“Every competitor on the LIV Tour is exceptionally skilled,” he stated. I believe I can get knowledge. I shall acquire knowledge.
ACQUAINT YOURSELF WITH LIV GOLF'S LATEST ADDITION, LEE CHIEH-PO:
Birthdate: November 1, 1994 (30 years of age)
Place of Birth: Taoyun, Taiwan
He was bestowed the English name Max at the age of six.
Turned professional in March 2015
Secured his inaugural Asian Tour victory in 2024 at the International Series Thailand, achieving birdies on the final two holes to surpass current LIV Golf competitor Peter Uihlein by a single shot.
His inaugural tournament victory occurred during his 138th career appearance in world-ranking competitions.
Experienced a hip injury last year that necessitated modifications to his swing and alterations to his movement. “It is improving, and the swing has become more manageable,” he stated.
Completed 19 starts on the Asian Tour in 2024, achieving one victory, two other top-five finishes, and four further top-ten placements.
Achieved 4th place in the Asian Tour Order of Merit in 2024 and 7th place in The International Series points standings.
Achieved 23 career top 10 performances on the Asian Tour, including second-place results in 2022 and 2023.
His primary golf course is Taoyuan Golf & Country Club.
Grew up playing golf with Kevin (Chun-an) Yu, who achieved his inaugural professional victory on the PGA Tour this year. Text provided by LIV Golf.