Lee Chieh-po earns 2025 LIV Golf League spot
30-year-old Lee Chieh-po, known as Max on the international stage, delivered a masterful performance at the LIV Golf Promotions qualifier in Riyadh, securing the only available spot for the 2025 season on the LIV Golf League. Lee carded a scorching 10-under total over the final 36 holes of the grueling three-day, 72-hole event to finish two strokes clear of the field.
Lee’s journey to the main tour began with a direct exemption into the second round of the competition, courtesy of his 7th-place finish on the International Series points standings in 2024. He made his mark immediately, firing a 4-under round to finish tied for 10th and advance to the 36-hole finale. From there, Lee elevated his game to another level, opening the final stretch with a stellar 7-under and closing it out with a steady 3-under to claim his spot.
This victory marks another significant milestone in what has been a remarkable rise for Lee. His breakthrough moment came earlier in 2024, when he claimed his maiden Asian Tour victory at the International Series Thailand. That win, punctuated by clutch birdies on the final two holes to edge LIV Golf star Peter Uihlein by one stroke, was a long time coming for Lee, who achieved the triumph in his 138th career start in world-ranking events.
Lee’s path to success hasn’t been without challenges. In 2023, a debilitating hip injury forced him to overhaul his swing and rework his movement on the course. Reflecting on his progress, Lee said, “Now it’s getting better, and the swing is easier.” That perseverance paid off handsomely in 2024, as Lee showcased remarkable consistency, racking up one win, two additional top-5 finishes, and four more top-10s in 19 Asian Tour starts. His efforts earned him a 4th-place finish on the Asian Tour Order of Merit and cemented his place among the top talents in the International Series.
With 23 career top-10 finishes on the Asian Tour, including runner-up results in 2022 and 2023, Lee has firmly established himself as a player to watch. His 2024 campaign, highlighted by his breakthrough win and this triumphant qualifier performance, solidifies his status as a rising star ready to compete on golf’s biggest stage.
For the other players who finished in the top 10 of the LIV Golf Promotions and did not secure the lone LIV League spot, there was still a silver lining. Ollie Schniederjans, Jack Buchanan, Brett Coletta, Max Rottluff, Soomin Lee, and David Horsey received full exemptions for the 2025 International Series, ensuring their continued presence at a high level of competition.
RELATED: LIV Golf Promotions: Bhullar shoots 67 to advance
Bhullar Falls Short in LIV Golf Qualifier
Gaganjeet Bhullar, an 11-time Asian Tour winner, returned to the LIV Golf Promotions event with hopes of securing a coveted spot after finishing 14th last year. He started strong, shooting a solid 4-under 67 in the first stage, advancing among the top 21 players from 64 competitors.
In Round 2, Bhullar dazzled early with three consecutive birdies to take the solo lead, appearing poised to make a breakthrough. However, his round unraveled as he shot 4-over, dropping to 47th, the second-last spot in the field, and ending his bid for a LIV Golf spot he’s pursued for two years.
Photo – LIV Golf
