Lee feeling the heat at Perth golf event
Rising Australian star Min Woo Lee is feeling the pressure, and it could lead to a hefty pay day.
Lee moved to five-under after two rounds of the World Super 6 Perth golf tournament, giving him a good chance to make the third-round cut of the top 24 players.
The 20-year-old finished a tied for fifth at last year's tournament.
But given he was still an amateur at that time, he wasn't eligible to win any money or gain any ranking points.
It's different this year given Lee turned professional last month, and he admits it has come with added pressures.
"I just had more of a nothing-to-lose attitude last year because I was the only amateur playing," Lee said.
"But now you're playing for money and you're playing for I guess your life right now, your livelihood.
"So there's a bit of pressure. I definitely feel it over putts and shots."
Lee hopes he can tap into the mindset he had last year.
"If you play carefree, you're going to have a long career," Lee said.
"I guess everyone has the nerves, it's just if you do feel the nerves you're doing something well, right?
"So I'm embracing it, but hopefully I can get back to that attitude (of last year)."
Lee showed nerves of steel at the star-studded Saudi International earlier this month, finishing fourth in just his second appearance as a professional.
The World Super 6 Perth has a $1.6 million prize pool, with the winner also granted a one-year exemption on the European Tour.
A win for Lee would mean wonders for his fledgling career.
But first he needs to make the top-24 cut before he can start thinking about taking home the grand prize.
Tournament favourite Thomas Pieters, Australian Matthew Griffin, Kiwi Ryan Fox, and Thailand's Panuphol Pittayarat lead the way at eight-under.
West Australian Matt Jager, Englishman Ben McEvoy, and Scotland's Robert MacIntyre are one stroke further back.
