LIV Golf 2026 New Player Analysis: Richard T. Lee

Jan 12, 2026 - 4:20 PMWritten by: Matt Vincenzi

LIV Golf is set to welcome experienced Canadian talent Richard T. Lee, who secured a wildcard spot for the 2026 season after a dominant five-shot victory at LIV Golf Promotions. 

PLAYER BIO

Age: 35

Nationality: Canadian 

OWGR: 170th 

Data Golf Ranking: 305th

Career Wins: 6 (Asian Tour: 2014 Solaire Open, 2017 Shinhan Donghae Open, 2024 BNI Indonesian Masters; Korean Tour: 2019 DB Insurance Promy Open, 2021 Hana Bank Invitational, 2025 Woori Financial Group Championship.)

Career Highlights: Lee burst onto the scene early, qualifying for the 2007 U.S. Open at age 16 (the second youngest ever) after finishing runner-up at sectional qualifying, though he withdrew in Rd. 2 due to injury. He was also runner-up at the 2006 U.S. Junior Amateur. After turning pro in 2007, he has built a solid career overseas, with multiple wins on the Asian Tour and Korean Tour. In recent years, he has shown strong form in The International Series.

2025 Results: Strong season on the Asian Tour and Korean Tour. Lee posted 13 top-20 finishes across both tours including a win on the Korean Tour’s Woori Financial Group Championship. He had multiple impressive performances in the International Series, boasting a T10 at the International Series India and a 5th place finish at the International Series Macau.

Best Major Finish: Missed the cut in the 2007 U.S. Open (WD due to injury) and the 2021 Open Championship.

Major Eligibility in 2026: As of January 2026, Lee is not exempt into any major championships.

2025 ASIAN TOUR RANKS 

Scoring Average: 69.91 (17th) 

Driving Distance: 295.83 (73rd) 

Driving Accuracy: 59.68 % (47th) 

Greens in Regulation: 68.58% (65th) 

Birdie Average (per tournament): 3.84 (38th) 

Scrambling: 62.43% (15th) 

STATISTICAL PROFILE 

Lee has a seasoned all-around game with no major deficiencies. The best part of the Canadian’s game is around the green. He has great touch when missing the green and is a very good scrambler. He also makes a good deal of birdies and has a knack for scoring.  

Statistical lookalike: Graeme McDowell 

INTERESTING FACTS 

  • He was born in Toronto, Canada, to a father (Jeff Lee) who played professional golf in South Korea and now teaches golf.

  • He spent part of his youth in Vancouver before moving to Arizona, where he now resides.

  • He is the first Canadian player to play full-time on LIV Golf.

  • In 2006, at the age of 15, Lee was the runner-up to Philip Francis at the U.S. Junior Amateur.

  • At the 2007 U.S. Open, he became the second youngest golfer in the history of the tournament. 

BOTTOM LINE 

Richard T. Lee adds seasoned international experience and a Canadian LIV Golf presence for the first time in the league’s history. The 35-year-old is a grinder who’s played some very good golf over the past few seasons to earn the opportunity of a lifetime.

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