ADELAIDE PREVIEW: IRON HEADS NEED KIWI LEE TO MAKE SOME NOISE

ADELAIDE – Danny Lee isn’t your typical Kiwi, having moved to the South Pacific country as an eight-year-old from Korea. However, he definitely shares one common trait with those born and brought up in New Zealand – he loves winning in Australia.

Lee shot into prominence when he won the New Zealand Amateur at age 17, and then crossed over the Tasman Sea to win the Lake Macquarie Cup. However, it was a few days later that Lee inscribed his name in the record books when he became the youngest ever winner of a DP World Tour tournament with a one-stroke victory at the 2009 Johnnie Walker Classic in Perth. Lee was 18 years and 213 days old, amateur and held the record until it was broken by Italian Matteo Manassero.

Iron Heads and Captain Kevin Na will be hoping his teammate brings the same mindset this week at LIV Golf Adelaide as the League returns to Australia. However, it’s not been easy for Lee this season, having made a comeback after a wrist surgery a day after the 2023 Team Championship. He, as well as the newest member of the team, Jinichiro Kozuma, is yet to open his account in Individual Standings.

Adelaide, and Australia, may just be the tonic Lee needs. His game is getting better and better and the struggle with the driver earlier in the season is a thing of the past.

At 6,946 yards for its par 72, The Grange is not the longest course on LIV Golf schedule, and that could play into the hands of Iron Heads this week.

Iron Heads are tied 12th alongside HyFlyers this season, with both teams finishing tied 6th in Jeddah for their only points.

Na has been the consistent performer for the team, currently placed 23rd in the standings. He has been in the points in four of the five events played so far, with a heroic tied sixth in Hong Kong his best effort.

Kozuma, who secured his place on LIV Golf through the Promotions event last December, has had several good rounds, but needs three consistent rounds. Scott Vincent, the final member of the team, is also facing a similar predicament, but a return to Asia-Pacific region, where he has played some of his best golf, could be the key to a good run from here on.