Lee savours Japanese success at The Royal Junior

Lee savours Japanese success at The Royal Junior
National squad member Brayden Lee outplayed the 48-strong Boys’ Division field to clinch The Royal Junior – and his first win of 2025 – by one shot on Sunday.
The 17-year-old fended off the spirited challenge from Thailand’s Parin Sarasmut by firing an even-par 72 to emerge victorious with his three-day total of one-over-par 217.
Lee had earlier opened his campaign with a 73 to end the first day in a share of second place with Korea’s Yu Min-hyeok.
He then followed up with a second round 72 to enter the final round of the 54-hole event in tied-fourth alongside Japan’s Kaito Kumegai.
“It’s great to win the Royal Junior this year, especially after last year, where I didn’t do so well,” said Lee, who finished tied for eighth last year.
“This is my first win in 2025, and hopefully it will give me the experience and confidence to have a good year. Playing against the top few amateurs from Japan and Asia-Pacific is always a pleasure, especially against fellow friends like Nguyen Anh Minh and Shinichi Suzuki.
“It was a tough fight out there against the two Thai boys (Parin and Wiss Jittathorn) in front, and I really had to dig deep and win with a few one-putts on the last few holes.”
Organised by Nippon Kabaya Ohayo Holdings Inc. and approved by the APGC and The R&A, The Royal Junior is also supported by the Japan Golf Association, Japan High School and Junior High School Golf Association.
With the aim of nurturing and developing the next generation of international golfers, the tournament includes 48 boys and 48 girls. The top players outside of Japan are selected by the APGC. All players must be under the age of 18 as of March 31, 2025.