Richard H.

Lee

At an aggregate 7-over-par through 34 holes, he was likely going to miss the cut anyway; it fell at 4-over 148. Look for him again at next week’s Zurich Classic of New Orleans.

Just a little housekeeping here after his withdrawal with two holes remaining last week in San Antonio when he didn’t return to the course on Saturday morning following Friday’s weather delay. The PGA TOUR rookie hit 15 greens in regulation at TPC Louisiana today but needed 33 putts. He offset three birdies with three bogeys. At 2-for-9 on the year with a T15 at Pebble Beach, he has virtually zero fantasy value.

Lee was bogey-free through his first 17 holes before erasing one of his six birdes with a bogey on the par-4 18th. His 15 GIR were complimented by a steady 28 putts in his navigation of Sedgefield Country Club. He enters the finale at 10-under 200 and in search of his first top 10 on the PGA TOUR.

Statistically, the rookie is solid. He ranks 37th in both total driving and GIR, adding up to a 29th ranking in ball-striking. If anything is holding him back, it’s the flat stick. He ranks 107th in Strokes Gained-Putting.

Lee circled five birdies and squared two bogeys in a round where he hit 13 GIR and took 28 putts to navigate the TPC Four Seasons. This is only Lee’s fourth payday of the year, but his second in a row. Unfortunately he has yet to secure a spot in the Crowne Plaza Invitational, so his momentum may be put on hold.

Lee has only made five (of 14) cuts this season, but has cashed in three of his last four. For as rough of a year as he’s having, his stats aren’t all that bad. He ranks 29th in driving accuracy, 65th in GIR and 48th in Strokes Gained-Putting. This will be the rookie’s first trip the The Old White TPC.

At 135th on the money list, Lee is a lock to enjoy partial status from the 126-150 category at a minimum in 2013, but with starts precious in the upcoming season he would like to enjoy the full status of the top 125. He’s gotten comfortable lately, having cashed in his last six events including a T6 at the Justin Timberlake. He’s statistically impressive, ranking 17th in ball-striking including 12th in driving accuracy. He also leads the TOUR in par 3 performance at 12-under-par.

Lee was bogey-free through his first 17 holes before finally giving back a stroke on the par-4 18th. The irons were solid, landing 15 GIR and he gained over two strokes with the flat stick at the time of his posting. His 24 birdies were among the best in the event, but his 10 bogeys on TPC Summerlin kept a great week from being spectacular. He entered the week 153rd on the money list, but will be moving up after this performance.

Lee is fresh off a solid T35 at Colonial and has made 10 of 15 cuts to start the year. He currently ranks inside the top 50 in driving accuracy, GIR, strokes gained-putting and sand saves. All of those strengths are likely to be called on this week.