Born in South Korea, Lee became a naturalised New Zealander after moving there with his parents at age eight. Overtook Dale Hayes as the youngest winner in the history of the European Tour when, aged 18 years 213 days he won the Johnnie Walker Classic in Perth, Australia, in 2009 while still an amateur. Followed Pablo Martin (2007 Estoril Open de Portugal) as only the second amateur to win a European Tour event. Turned professional shortly afterwards and recorded his second top-10 of the 2009 season, tying for 10th at the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles. Was ranked as the world’s No. 1 amateur before his victory against the professionals at the Johnnie Walker Classic having won the 2008 U.S. Amateur Championship. Was also the youngest player to win the U.S. Amateur, beating the previous record of Tiger Woods.