Tokyo, Japan: Singapore national squad member Brayden Lee outlasted his rivals to emerge triumphant at The Royal Junior.

The 17-year-old fended off spirited challenges from Thailand’s Parin Sarasmut, Korean Yu Min-hyeok and Vietnam’s Nguyen Anh Minh by firing a closing even-par 72 at The Royal Club.

Over the monstrous 8,026-yard layout, Lee posted a three-day total of one-over-par 217.

He opened his campaign with a 73 to end the first day in a share of second place with Yu. He followed up with a 72 on day two to enter the final round of the 54-hole event in tied-fourth alongside Japan’s Kaito Kumegai, four strokes off the pace.

“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 eighth here in 2024.

Lee, who began the week in 372nd place in the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR), added: “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 Anh Minh and Shinichi Suzuki.

“It was a tough fight out there against the two Thai boys (Parin and Wiss Jittathorn) in front. I really had to dig deep and win with a few one-putts on the last few holes.”

Last month, Lee underlined his potential at the DP World Tour’s Porsche Singapore Classic, where he returned scores of 69 and 74 at Laguna National Golf Resort Club. Although he missed the cut by one shot, he won the award as Low Amateur – a timely boost to his confidence.

Organised by Nippon Kabaya Ohayo Holdings Inc. and approved by the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (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 included 49 boys and 45 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.

Winner of the Girls’ division was Japan’s Anna Iwanaga, 80th in the WAGR.