Out of the 22 players who qualified to compete in the final 36 holes in LIV Golf Promotions at the Black Diamond Ranch, only three won the wildcard entries into the 2026 season.

Richard T. Lee was one of them. But it was the Canadian’s reaction following the win that caught the world’s attention. 

Lee will become the first Canadian to compete in the Saudi-backed league. On top of that, he’s earned the biggest paycheck of his life with the win.

Reflecting on the achievement during the Black Diamond Ranch press conference, a reporter asked Lee whether he had the time to let it all sink in.

The 35-year-old replied, “My head is actually very -- I don't know, I feel dinged up right now for some reason. It's not sunk in yet, to be honest.”

And the way he won? He initially signed for a pair of 64s, planning to finish at 11-under for the 36-hole shootout. But Lee carded four straight rounds in the 60s and won the event by five shots. 

But Richard T. Lee almost missed the second round of the Promotions. So, did he have a chance to get an exemption into the second round? When the reporter at the post-event press conference inquired about the process, Lee revealed that it was all about the timing. 

“I had things to take care of back in Korea with family stuff, so I didn't think I would have got it all done before LIV Promotions,” the 35-year-old golfer confessed. “I decided not to play. Then last minute, I got everything done and asked for the invite, and here I am.”

His performance at the LIV Golf Promotions was exceptionally good. But was it just a fluke? Not really!

The Course Helped Richard T. Lee Win the LIV Golf Promotions

Lee dominated the roster over all four rounds this week. And it was the result of mindful gameplay and an optimal course. 

“Beginning of the week I told my caddie I love these greens,” Lee revealed at the press conference. “These are the greens that I actually practice on. Especially the course with the windy conditions and all, it was just perfect for my game.”

Lee is known for his fade shots, especially the ones to keep things in the fairway. And the greens at the Black Diamond Ranch helped him out by being the perfect fit for his shots. 

Lee’s reaction reflected a career pivot rather than surprise. Preparation, timing, and course fit aligned at the right moment, turning a late entry into a defining breakthrough.

Written by

Krushna Pattnaik

Edited by

Oajaswini Prabhu