Dalton State’s Lee Claims NAIA Arnold Palmer National Individual Champion Award
SILVIS, Ill. – SM Lee of Dalton State claimed the NAIA Arnold Palmer National Individual Champion Award for earning medalist honors at the NAIA Championships. His 12-under 272 tied the NAIA Championships record for aggregate score.
An opening round of 2-under 69 left Lee three shots off the pace. However, he followed with a second round 68 to take a two-shot lead at the halfway mark. He pushed his lead to five strokes following a third round 66 that saw him card seven birdiies. Back-to-back birdies on Nos. 14 and 15 in the final round slammed the door shut and moved him to his 12-under total and an eight-shot victory
The win marked Lee’s fifth of the season and third straight to close his sophomore campaign.