Top Ranked World Amateur Danny Lee Wins Georgia Cup
- photo courtesy Johnnie Walker Classic
ALPHARETTA, Georgia (March 31, 2009) -- GolfWeek/amateurgolf.com Men's Amateur Rankings worldwide points leader Danny Lee, 18 of New Zealand defeated Reinier Saxton, 21 of The Netherlands, 2 and 1 today in the 12th annual Georgia Cup at Georgia Golf Club.
The Georgia Cup, conveniently contested the week before Masters week, puts the winners of golf's two oldest amateur championships, The US Amateur and British Amateur up against each other in the exciting match-play format.
Lee, who became the youngest U.S. amateur champion in history last summer at Pinehurst, built a 2-up lead at the turn and closed out Saxton with a par on the 17th hole.
Lee won the Johnnie Walker Classic in Australia last month on the European Tour, and wisely delayed his plans to turn professional so that he could play in the Masters first.
"The course was fantastic," Lee said. "I think it will be great preparation for the Masters, playing greens this fast."
Lee took control with a 3-wood from the rough that carried 250 yards over a bunker to within 15 feet, setting up a two-putt birdie on the ninth hole for a 2-up lead. Saxton birdied the 10th hole, but hit his next tee shot out-of-bounds and failed to mount a charge coming home.
Saxton, it should be noted, has been in top form this Spring, having won the Spanish International Amateur in Sevilla on March 1.
amateurgolf.com staff report
ABOUT THE Georgia Cup
Established at The Golf Club of Georgia in 1998, The
Georgia Cup annually brings together the reigning
United States Amateur and British Amateur
Champion for an 18-hole match in advance of the
Masters.
Over the years, The Georgia Cup has grown from an
intimate Club event to a unique amateur
championship known on both sides of the Atlantic.
The event benefits the Yates Scholarships and the
Moncrief Turfgrass Scholarships of the GSGA
Foundation, as well as the Folds of Honor
Foundation.
The Georgia Cup presents a special opportunity for
galleries attending at The Golf Club of Georgia. In
the spirit and intimacy of the Walker Cup matches,
fans can walk with the players, unhindered by gallery
ropes, enjoying a unique perspective.
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