Lee passes on Presidents’ Cup proceeds to New Zealand

Danny Lee. Photo: Photosport/GPNZ File

Danny Lee’s share of proceeds from last year’s Presidents’ Cup has gone to golf in New Zealand.

All players, the captain and the captain’s assistant from each team in the Presidents’ Cup are allocated a portion of the funds generated from the tournament which is required to be given to a charitable cause.

Last year’s tournament generated record proceeds of $6.1 million of which Lee had $90,000 to donate.

That $90,000 will be split equally between New Zealand Golf, Bay of Plenty Golf and Lee’s home club of Springfield Golf Club in Rotorua.

Each organisation has committed to use the funds to assist in Lee’s goal of progressing the development of the game.

Lee said the donation was in recognition of the support he received in New Zealand.

“I am honoured to be able to further support and donate these funds to New Zealand Golf,’’ Lee said.

“I started playing golf through them as a child and they greatly supported my golfing development. I hope we can help grow the game of golf in New Zealand and I look forward to being back in New Zealand one day soon.”

New Zealand Golf chief executive Dean Murphy was thankful to Lee’s generosity.

“We are incredibly humbled to receive this donation from Danny Lee,’’ Murphy said.

“We are extremely proud of Danny and his achievements at the highest level on the world stage and we are so pleased that he remains so close and committed to New Zealand Golf.

“Danny and his team are always so willing to give back to New Zealand and we look forward to a time in the near future when his schedule will allow him to return home to play.”

To where it all began in the Bay of Plenty District Association, it’s executive director Chris McAlpine was also proud as punch having watched Lee since he was only 13 and has had the pleasure of getting to know him and watch his career grow.

“This is a tremendous boost for golf in the Bay of Plenty which we will direct at junior development,” McAlpine said.

“It’s been so special following his career from the time he was 12 years of age and barely spoke a word of English. His sense of humour was as much in evidence as his golfing ability from that age.

“It means so much to us for Danny to have kept in touch and what a marvellous way to show his gratitude.”