Golf’s cultural melting pot sparks curiosity. Danny Lee, LIV Golf’s rising star, has been making waves with exceptional skills. Notably, leading Iron Heads to a stunning upset over Brooks Koepka’s Smash GC in the LIV Golf Team Championship. Lee’s singles victory over Taylor Gooch and Scott Vincent and Jinichiro Kozuma’s foursomes win sealed the deal. However, as the LIV Golf tour heats up, fans want to know more about this talented athlete. Well, here’s all you need to know about the golfer’s ethnicity.

Born in the vibrant city of Incheon, South Korea, Danny Lee’s life was destined for a dramatic twist. In 1998, he embarked on a journey to New Zealand with his parents, when he was eight years old. Ten years later, on September 2, 2008, he got New Zealand’s citizenship.

Transitioning to New Zealand, little did he know, this move would sow the seeds for a golfing phenomenon. As a young boy, Lee honed his skills at Rotorua Boys High School and Springfield Golf Club. The golf club also hosts an important place for the Kiwi, as his citizenship ceremony was held there. Along with him were his parents, Sam Lee and Sujan Seo. 

As Danny Lee’s family roots grew deeper in New Zealand, his passion for golf began to flourish. His introduction to the sport was courtesy of his mother, Sujan Seo. She was an accomplished golfer with a reported +5 handicap when she was 42 years old. She taught the LIV golfer to play, and it was her guidance that laid the foundation for his future success. “The secret of his success is dedication,” Mrs. Lee emphasized, reflecting on her son’s remarkable feat in 2008.

That dedication paid off in spectacular fashion when Lee became the youngest-ever winner of the U.S. Amateur in August 2008. He aged 18 years and one month—six months younger than Tiger Woods‘ record in 1994. Overjoyed, Mrs. Lee proudly declared, “We’re really proud of him… In 10 years, [he’s taken] no holiday, no vacation, just practice, practice, practice.” This forged an unbreakable bond between his Korean heritage and Kiwi upbringing.

The result, Lee’s triumph, propelled him to the world’s number one amateur ranking. A position he held from August 2008 until he turned pro, shortly after the 2009 Masters. And during that time, rumors of him potentially representing his native Korea circulated. But Mrs. Lee reaffirmed his commitment to NZ, stating, “No, of course, New Zealand.” Their family home, adorned with trophies and golf clubs, stood as a testament to Danny Lee’s achievements and his family’s unwavering support. 

A Kiwi by citizenship, a Korean at heart: Danny Lee’s cultural odyssey

Danny Lee’s personal life reflects his strong Korean heritage. On May 27, 2017, he married Yoomi Kong in a traditional Korean ceremony in Seoul, South Korea. This significant life event added another layer of connection to his Korean roots. Before meeting Yoomi, Lee’s single status made headlines, particularly after his 2015 PGA Tour victory at The Greenbrier.

That’s when fellow golfer Pat Perez playfully launched a campaign to find Lee a girlfriend, as he admitted feeling lonely in post-victory interviews. Complementing his wife, the 34-year-old said, “She’s a great girl and smart. She is Korean and speaks Korean, which makes my parents happy… everything’s good.” All in all, Danny Lee’s remarkable journey showcases the beauty of cultural diversity, proudly representing the Kiwi upbringing and his Korean roots.