Max Lee Crowned Champion at LIV Golf in Riyadh
Exciting Times at the Riyadh Golf Club!
Riyadh is buzzing with excitement as LIV Golf has just crowned a new champion and welcomed its latest member to the ever-growing league! Over the weekend, the sandy yet stunning backdrop of the Saudi Arabian landscape played host to a thrilling 36-hole shootout finale. This event attracted a stellar lineup, featuring top-notch golfers from around the globe, but one name outshone them all: Chieh-po Lee, affectionately known as “Max.”
Who is Max?
Max, a seasoned 30-year-old pro from the Asian Tour, displayed an incredible performance, besting an impressive field of contenders. With 92 players initially vying for the crown, the field was whittled down to 20 for Saturday’s back-to-back rounds at the Riyadh Golf Club. In a phenomenal display of talent, Lee shot a remarkable seven-under 64 in the morning, giving him a comfortable two-stroke lead at the start of the afternoon round. He didn’t stop there! Lee sealed his victory with another solid performance, sinking a birdie at the par-3 17th, ultimately finishing three-under in the second round. His impressive skills have earned him a spot on the LIV Tour, marking a historic milestone as the first Taiwanese player to join!
A Dream Come True
Max couldn’t hide his excitement during his post-match interview. “It means a lot to me because I was playing on the Asian Tour for many years, and LIV Golf, I think, it’s every player’s goal,” he said. There’s a sense of camaraderie in the air, as LIV has been supporting up-and-coming talent through its ongoing relationship with the Asian Tour. With a nod to the competition, Lee added, “On the LIV Tour, every player I think is very strong. I think I can learn something. I will learn something.”
The Downside for Some
But not everything is sunshine and rainbows! This promotion means that some familiar faces are being shown the door. Several players who were relegated this season— Branden Grace, Kieran Vincent, Scott Vincent, Kalle Samooja, and Bubba Watson—had hoped to reclaim their spots via the Promotions event. While it was a nail-biter, Grace came closest, finishing tied for second at eight-under par. Though they’ll have the opportunity to earn exemptions into the International Series on the Asian Tour for 2025, it’s still a tough pill to swallow.
Next Chapter for Players
Interestingly, there’s a glimmer of hope for at least a couple of these pros! LIV has hinted that if a team can make a “business case” to retain a relegated player, he may just have a chance to stay in the mix for next season. Rumor has it that Bubba Watson—who chose not to participate in the Promotions event—might take the helm again as captain of the Range Goats. It seems teams are keen on what titleholders can bring to the table, and performance in this league always draws attention.
The Close Call
On another note, American player Ollie Schniederjans, known for his hat-free style and impressive stinger shot, came close to making waves, finishing tied for fourth at five under par. After years of navigating the ins and outs of the Korn Ferry Tour, he proved he still has what it takes to compete in high-stakes matches. “I’m very confident about where everything is heading,” said Schniederjans, looking ahead to the future.
What Lies Ahead for LIV Golf?
As LIV Golf gears up for its 2025 season, it remains to be seen what the future holds for the Promotions event. Initially started to address the criticisms of being a closed shop, the event only managed to secure one promotion this year after previously offering three spots. Nonetheless, the competition is heating up as LIV continues to fill its roster and strengthen its league, all while discussions with the PGA Tour are ongoing.
With all the action from Riyadh Golf Club, it’s clear that LIV Golf is on an exciting trajectory as it heads into its next season. Make sure to keep those golf clubs at the ready because the next chapter is just around the corner!