Lee returns to the European Tour this week, for the Portugal Masters which takes place at Oceanico Victoria Golf Course, Vilamoura, Portugal. Lee finished in third place here, last year. He is currently 3rd in the Order of Merit (€2,189,702) and 12th in World Ranking.
Lee hasn't given up hope of a second European Order of Merit title, as he lies in third place in the money list, behind Robert Karlsson (on €2,540,248) and Padraig Harrington €2,397,823 - although Harrington will not play here this week ) . "There is still a chance," he said , "If I was to win this week it would certainly make it very interesting at the Volvo Masters."
Oceanico, who own the golf course, also sponsor a number of the leading contenders this week including Lee, who will enjoy home comforts this week as he owns a four bedroom house on the golf estate, which is considered to be one of the best in Europe.
In an interesting grouping, Lee teed off at 8.50 from the 10th on Thursday, with Robert Karlsson and Miguel Jimenez (who is currently 4th in the OM). Two birdies in the first three holes started the round for Lee, but he tried to cover the 588 yards to the flag in two, which resulted in a double bogey at 17. A birdie at the 10th (1st) and a bogey at the 8th, saw him finish level par (72) for the first round and in T47th place. He had a 13.20 start from the 1st on Friday and played a good second round of 67, which included an eagle at 5, birdies at 8, 9, 11 and 15. His only bogey of the day was at the 17th. Now in T18th spot on 5-under par, he is 6 shots behind leader, Stuart Manley. Playing alongside Noren Alezxander on Saturday, Lee produced a round of level par, finishing in T29th position. A thunderstorm stopped play and the later pairings had to complete their round on Sunday, hence the groupings being in threes for the final round.
Lee had a final round tee-time of 11.20 with Marc Warren and Chris Wood. He made birdies at 3, 5,11, 17 and 18, with the only blot on his card at 15 (68), ending on 9-under par for the event and in T16th place. Lee eared €38,940 in prize money and remains 3rd in the OM with €2,228.642. He is 12th in WR, 53rd in the USPGA Money List and 50th in FedEx Cup points.
