Junior Byungho Lee stands with his trophy from the PNGA Men’s Amateur Championship. The tournament was held at Palouse Ridge Golf Club in Pullman, Wash. Photos courtesy of Byungho Lee
Winning one prestigious amateur golf championship is an accomplishment. Winning two in the span of a month is a statement.
Byungho Lee, Pepperdine Men’s Golf junior, did exactly that, capturing the 117th Texas Amateur Championship in June before defeating the two-time defending champion to win the 124th Pacific Northwest Golf Association (PNGA) Men’s Amateur Championship on July 11. The back-to-back victories elevated Lee to No. 387 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking.
“It was surreal,” Lee said. “It felt really, really good to win another tournament right after winning the first.”
From Setback to Success
Before becoming one of the nation’s fastest-rising amateur golfers, Lee said he faced one of the most difficult seasons of his golf career so far.
Born in South Korea, Lee competed as a member of the Korean National Team before moving to Texas, where he quickly established himself as one of the country’s top junior golfers.
He entered college as the No. 1 recruit in Texas and the No. 3 overall recruit in the nation for the Class of 2024, according to Pepperdine Athletics.
Even with the high rankings, Lee said his transition to collegiate golf at Pepperdine was anything but smooth.
“I had one of the worst seasons ever,” Lee said. “I was at a point where I wanted to quit, but I went to the golf course every day and stayed until I figured everything out.”
Rather than letting disappointment define him, Lee said he used it as motivation.
“Byungho’s drive started after he missed a tournament in Florida,” said Michael Beard, head coach for Pepperdine’s Men’s Golf.
Months of relentless work transformed one of the most challenging periods of Lee’s career into a breakout sophomore campaign.
Winning the Championships
After opening the Texas Amateur Tournament with consistent rounds of 69, 68 and 69, Lee said he entered the final day tied for the lead.
Lee delivered when the pressure was highest, carding a tournament-best 6-under-par 66. Fueled by an eagle on the 11th hole and a birdie on the 12th, Lee pulled away from the field to finish at 12 under par and claim a two-stroke victory, according to the Texas Golf Association.
Lee was only one of two golfers to finish in double digits under par on the demanding course, according to the Texas Golf Association.
Just weeks later, Lee proved the victory was no fluke.
At the Pacific Northwest Golf Association (PNGA) Championship, Lee battled through a tightly contested, 36-hole championship match that featured multiple lead changes, according to PNGA.
After the match was tied through the morning round, Lee surged late with clutch birdies on the back nine and held off his opponent to secure the title with one hole remaining, according to PNGA.
The victories reflected more than just Lee’s talent — they showcased the composure and maturity that Beard said sets him apart.
“Having Byungho win elevates the program even further,” Beard said. “It’s a message to the rest of the team.”
Junior Byungho Lee hugs his mom after winning the PNGA Men’s Amateur Championship on July 11 at Palouse Ridge Golf Club. Lee said his parents have been a huge support in his golf career.
Beard said Lee’s steady demeanor is one of the biggest reasons for his success.
“One thing that maybe everyone would say after watching Byungho and being around him is that he has a great presence about himself,” Beard said. “He takes things in stride. He doesn’t get too emotional.”
Looking Ahead
Fresh off Pepperdine’s 2026 West Coast Conference (WCC) championship in May, Lee said his focus has already shifted to the season ahead.
While his individual accomplishments have earned national recognition, Lee said his ultimate goal is to help the Waves return to the WCC Championship and compete for another conference title.
“Shoutout to my teammates,” Lee said. “I love them. I would do everything I can to help us go to the national championships again.”
Beard said the future is bright for Pepperdine Men’s Golf. With Lee returning alongside a talented roster, the program is poised to build on their recent success and contend at the highest level.
“For next year, we’re going to have one of the most competitive teams we’ve had in the past handful of years,” Beard said.
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Contact Alexa McGlathery via email: alexa.mcglathery@pepperdine.edu