PGA Tour: K.H. Lee’s late surge gives Asia a record 3 golfers in Tour Championship

South Korea’s Lee missed FedExCup Playoffs last year but his finish at BMW Championship seals spot alongside countryman Sungjae Im and Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama

Joohyung Kim bows out, but the 20-year-old earns a place in the International Team for the Presidents Cup – the second-youngest ever to do so

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Joohyung Kim of South Korea plays a shot from the bunker on the 17th hole of the third round of the BMW Championship in Wilmington. Photo: AP

Published: 4:04pm, 22 Aug 2022

Asian golf celebrated a record three players advancing into the Tour Championship following a final-day flourish by South Korea’s K.H. Lee, who finished tied fifth at the BMW Championship.

Lee was heartbroken after missing the FedExCup Playoffs by one rung last season, but a six-under 65 on Sunday means he will join countryman Sungjae Im and Japanese star Hideki Matsuyama at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, where the top 30 will battle for the PGA Tour’s ultimate prize.

Rising star Joohyung Kim failed to extend his dream run after finishing tied 54th at the BMW Championship to bow out of the Playoffs – dropping from 25th to 33rd in the standings.

But it was still a day to remember for the 20-year-old, who sealed a debut appearance for the International Team who will face the United States in the Presidents Cup next month.

K.H. Lee prepares to play his second shot on the fifth hole during the third round of the BMW Championship at Wilmington Country Club. Photo: Getty Images

The 24-year-old Im qualified for his fourth successive Tour Championship, coming 10th in the FedExCup standings, and a second Presidents Cup appearance, while eight-time PGA Tour winner Matsuyama (17th in the FedExCup) earned his ninth successive Tour Championship and fifth Presidents Cup appearances.

Lee missed the International Team by one rung and will now rely on being a captain’s pick. He was, however, relieved to qualify for the Tour Championship after improving from 33rd to 26th position in the final day of qualifying.