Witness the thrilling victory of South Korean golfer Junghwan Lee at the 2025 Genesis Championship! Starting four shots behind, Lee delivered an incredible performance with five straight birdies to surge up the leaderboard.
His final round of 64 was the lowest of the tournament, securing a three-shot victory over Nacho Elvira. This win grants Lee membership on the DP World Tour, with his next stop being the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.
Don’t miss the highlights of this dramatic comeback and Lee’s emotional reaction to his first DP World Tour title on home soil.
Imagine the roar of the crowd, the weight of expectation, and the sheer joy of victory washing over you. That’s exactly what happened when Jung Huan Lee clinched the Genesis Championship on his home turf in 2025. But it wasn’t just a win. It was a dramatic come from behind triumph that will be talked about for years. The 34year-old South Korean golfer wasn’t exactly the favorite going into the final round. Starting for strokes behind the leading duo, Mikail Lindberg and Nacho Elvira. It seemed like an uphill battle. And to make matters worse, he boged the second hole. It looked like his chances were slipping away before they even truly began. But here’s where it gets interesting. Lee unleashed an incredible streak of five consecutive birdies starting on the third hole. This wasn’t just good golf. It was a display of pure skill and determination. He catapulted himself up the leaderboard, putting pressure on the leaders. By the 10th hole, after another birdie, he was just one stroke behind Ilvira, who held the solo lead at 10 under par. Lee continued his impressive play, carding the lowest round of the entire tournament, a stunning seven under 64. This happened at the challenging Wu Jong Hills Country Club. Birdies on the 14th and 18th holes set the clubhouse target at 11 under par. Could anyone catch him? And this is the part most people miss. The pressure mounted on Elvver. He faltered in the final stretch, bogeying the last two holes. This opened the door for Lee to secure a three-shot victory. It was a heartbreaking finish for Ilva, but a moment of pure elation for Lee and his fans. As a champion, Lee now earns a coveted membership on the DP World Tour. his next stop, the prestigious Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship next month, the first event of the DP World Tour playoffs. “This victory isn’t just a trophy, it’s a passport to a whole new level of competition. I feel like I’m in a dream,” Lee exclaimed, capturing the surreal feeling of his accomplishment. “I still can’t believe I won, so it’s really hard to describe how I’m feeling right now.” He also pointed to a crucial moment on the 12th hole where a weward T-shot almost derailed his round. I thought I was done there, but 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. Lee’s heartfelt reveal the mental fortitude required to succeed at the highest level of golf. He had been working tirelessly to earn a spot on the DP World Tour and this victory was the culmination of his efforts. I really really wanted to go to DP World Tour and I was actually working really hard towards that goal but somehow I was coming up short a little bit. I was really making the effort and now I have this really great opportunity. I’m just really grateful. Before Lee’s final round heroics, Andrea Pavan and Song Minak also made strong pushes to close the gap on the leaders. Pavan, despite an opening bogey, fired off six birdies in nine holes to reach seven under. Song started with three straight birdies and added another at the eighth. Elvver initially extended his lead with birdies on the third and fifth holes, reaching 10 under par. Lindberg found himself in a tie for second with Lee after the South Koreans birdie barrage. Even a heavy downpour couldn’t dampen Lee’s spirits. He birded the 14th to tie Elvira, then took the outright lead when Elvver boged the 11th. Elvira briefly regained the lead with a birdie on the 15th. But Lee’s birdie on the 18th put him back on top. But here’s where it gets controversial. Some might argue that Elva’s collapse was due to pressure, while others might credit Lee’s unwavering focus and skill. Was it a case of Elvver losing the tournament or Lee winning it? Ultimately, Elva struggles on the final two holes. A bunker on the 17th and a water ball on the 18th sealed his fate. England’s Lori Caner finished strong with an eagle on the last hole to tie for second with Ilvverra. Pavan Andy Sullivan and Uto Katsuragawa finished tied for fourth. Lindberg, Sun Minyak, Sunbin Choi, Angel Ira, Hideki Matsu Lama, Thomas Dry, and Jordan Gumbberg rounded out the top finishes. Gumbberg’s eagle on the last secured his card for next season. Jung Huan Lee’s victory at the Genesis Championship is more than just a win. It’s a testament to perseverance, skill, and the power of believing in yourself. What do you think was the biggest factor in Lee’s victory? Was it his incredible birdie streak, Elvver’s late round mistakes, or something else entirely? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
