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Back to school for Danny

// August 31st, 2009 // Audio, News

School stinks in Roto-Vegas

Its been a whirlwind-roller coaster of a year for Kiwi golf prodigy Danny Lee. The tour rookie tasted victory in a professional tournament in amazing fashion as an amateur back in February, he played with hall of famer Gary Player at the Masters and set a record for most putts on a green (six), he turned pro, signed for enough cash that if burnt would cause global warming on Neptune, then went on his crusade to secure full PGA Tour playing rights for next season with only 12 events to do so through sponsors exemptions. Lets not forget that somewhere amongst this hectic schedule the happy-go-lucky Roto-Vegan managed to turn 19 with all this going on.

Unfortunately for Danny he has been unable to achieve this goal but he has not disappointed. His achievement at the European Tours Johnnie Walker Classic made him the youngest champion on the Tour EVER, even Tiger was riper than this when he cracked his first pro event and he was pro.  While he’s been unable to repeat the feat as yet in the pro realms, Danny is learning patience and so must we as he has decades of time on his side to master this game. He has teased us with some dazzling performances that make me scratch my head in wonder why the PGA Tour commissioner can’t just slip Danny a 2009 tour card when no ones looking? He’s clearly a star and the tour and we need to see him compete week-in week-out but rules are rules.

The PGA Tour playoffs have begun and despite Danny’s healthy cheques from his limited appearances this season, he did not squeak into the Fed-Ex cup or score his card for 09. But Its not all bad news for young Lee. His statement to the world at Perth when he blitzed the Johnnie Walker gave him two year exemption on the European Tour. And while the European Tour may not be the bright nights and hot dogs of the land of the free, 19 old rookies shouldn’t be greedy. Danny sizing himself up against other future stars including the likes of Martin Kaymer and Rory McIlroy etc is a mouthwatering prospect.

I’m all honesty though, I wouldn’t be surprised if Danny goes on to secure his card in the grueling six-round heart-breaker of a week known as the PGA Tour Q-School. Actually I’m going to go on record and predict Danny to win this and go on to be a multiple winner next season. Done.

Danny Lee audio below.

Thanks to Nick Dye our European Tour correspondent on the ground speaking to Danny after round two at last weeks Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles. We look forward to hearing Nicks regular yarns with the tour pros as he follows the European Tour on the Race to Dubai.

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Also: Take a look at Danny’s cards from his tie for 10th last week – you could be mistaken for thinking they look like a  packet of skittles. 18 birdies and 3 eagles, this kid can play. [Danny's cards]

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