This No. 1 recruit is headed to Cal and absolutely loves Max Homa’s swing
Walter Chun might’ve just landed arguably his best recruiting class as head men’s golf coach at Cal, signing four players, including Eric Lee, this year’s AJGA Rolex Junior Player of the Year. But Chun is taking zero credit.
“This is the Max Homa and Collin Morikawa affect,” Chun said. “They were both a little under the radar as junior golfers, but they blossomed in college. Guys get better when they come to Cal, and those guys are proof.”
Could Lee be the next Homa or Morikawa? His credentials entering school have given him a head start.
Lee, GolfChannel.com’s top-ranked recruit in the Class of 2023, is currently ranked No. 93 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking. Since winning the AJGA Rolex Tournament of Champions two summers ago, he’s posted five top-10s in high-level junior tournaments, including reaching the semifinals of this year’s U.S. Junior Amateur. He also tied for 15th at the Terra Cotta Amateur, an amateur event, last May.
In addition to being named the AJGA’s top player, joining a list that includes Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Jordan Spieth and Scottie Scheffler, Lee was also selected to represent the U.S. at the Junior President Cup in September. It was there at Quail Hollow where he took down the Internationals’ top player, Jeffrey Guan, in singles to help the Americans to victory.
“Eric is just so calm,” Chun said. “Nothing fazes him. He’s like Ernie Els.”
Lee hoping to continue momentum at Cal
Swing-wise, though, he’s like Homa – and for good reason. Lee is a huge fan of Homa, whom he met along with Morikawa at the Junior Presidents Cup, and is infatuated with Homa’s golf swing.
“I try to replicate his swing; it’s so good,” Lee said. “I like Collin’s swing, too, but he plays fades and I play draws. I definitely lean toward Max’s swing in terms of favoritism.”