Local Golf | UW recruit Richard Lee wins city amateur tournament for second year in a row

Richard Lee left the fireworks to the professionals on Lake Union and shot a patient 1-under par 69 to claim his second consecutive wire-to-wire Seattle Amateur championship at Jefferson Park Golf Course on Friday.

Fresh off his record-setting state amateur title last week, the 21-year-old University of Washington recruit defended his city crown with a 6-under 207 for the three-day tournament, two better than late-charging 17-year-old Kevin Penner, who also shot a 69 at Jefferson Park.

"It was a tough one," Lee said. "I left a lot of shots out on the course, but I'm really satisfied with the way I handled myself out there and rebounded after some bad shots."

Meadowdale native Jonathan Keane, 21, finished the 74th annual showcase of Seattle's municipal golf courses in third at 3 under.

Thomas Jun of Federal Way was the only other player in red numbers, with a fourth-place 2 under.

Lee and Penner were tied for the lead at 6 under heading into the par-4 18th hole, when Penner's approach shot went out of bounds, all but handing the tournament to Lee, who finished with an easy par for the win.

"I just slid the hips and didn't get the club through because it got stuck, and I hit it way right," Penner said. "I didn't hit the ball good, so to shoot 69 and take second, it's really exciting."

Lee and Jun were tied for the lead at 5 under after the par-3 12th, but Jun bogeyed 13 and Penner rattled off three consecutive birdies on 14, 15 and 16 for a one-stroke lead heading into the final two holes.

"Kevin played a great round out there and really pushed me until the end," Lee said.

The par-5 17th highlighted Penner's ball-striking problems. His drive went right and forced an awkward approach that came up short, which meant settling for par as Lee regained a share of the lead by nailing a tricky, downhill 3-foot birdie putt.

"It was a great putt," Lee said. "It was huge."

Lee, who also won the 2007 Seattle Amateur with a 6 under, said the tournament was a learning experience.

"This one was down to the wire," he said. "I really learned to be patient, because you never know what's going to happen until the last hole is played."