What does it mean to finally be a member of Team Innova?
It means that I just got picked up by a Rolls Royce and I’ve been waiting for this ride for a long time.

How long have you been playing?
About nine years now.

When did you go pro?
2001

Do you know how many pro wins you have?
I think about 15 or 16. I think.

You are from Raleigh which is notoriously a hotbed of golf. How did you survive those early years as a pro in an area with so many high rated players?
It was a little overwhelming at first, especially with legendary names like Larry Leonard, Walter Haney and others, but those guys have always been very supportive. Brian McRee and Brian Schweberger were also a lot of support. They’ve always answered whatever questions I’ve had and it’s been a lot more like family than most people would probably think. Once I started figuring out that it wasn’t so much them that controlled the outcome of my game, but more what was within the walls of my own head, it got a lot easier and I went on from there.

So even though you were competing, you were able to see them more as buddies?
Communicating with them on a regular basis, casual rounds and what not, definitely helped the transition. I got more comfortable just being myself. I mean when you initially come in you may only know the names and reputations, and a lot of people take on the attitude that I want to beat this guy, or if I do beat this guy, then I’m playing good.

Kenny (Climo) once told me that you’re really not trying to beat anybody as much as you are the course. Changing my perspective helped make it a lot easier taking these guys on as friends. We’ve developed as a family which removes a lot of the intimidation. We try to say things that help bring you back into your game, not try to take you off your game. You want others to play well. Plus, there’s a whole lot more gratification when you beat someone who is playing very well too.

What key things have you done to elevate your game to where it is now?
Focusing more inwards and taking the advice of upper echelon players. And from some people who aren’t top players necessarily, but have been around. Rick Rothstein, Jonathan Poole, guys that maybe used to get to compete but don’t play as now much because they’re so busy.

I try real hard to stay classy no matter what, to be a friendly person to play with no matter what, and to not lose my temper no matter what. I just learned that if I keep my cool and keep trying and should always be in it, you know? As soon as you give up or get frustrated or build a wall around yourself, you don’t leave any room for elevation.

I try to remember too, to always have fun. I mean there are a lot of other things I could be doing other than playing golf, but this is really fun. I want to enjoy it.

What is Chris Lee’s greatest strength on the course?
I think it’s the ability to be approachable, even in a crisis. I mean nobody is going to play well all the time. I just want people to feel comfortable talking to me or asking questions. Opening up to people can often be a welcome distraction.

What is your weakness?
Definitely playing in high winds… (laughs) I would definitely say I am not a high winds player. Some really good players here lately have shown me I need some big time wind experience.

What are some of your goals in 2007?
I’m probably going to play in about 4 National Tour events and about 5 or so Super Tours. Obviously we’ve got a strong circuit here in North Carolina, not to take anything away from anyone else, but a lot of our C-Tiers are like Super Tours. I get plenty of competition here locally. I’m looking forward to trying to make to the USDGC this year, and I really hope to go to Marshall Street.

Where is the toughest place you’ve played outside of the Raleigh area?
Well, surprisingly, I’ve never really performed well in Virginia. I think that’s mental. But I’d have to say Florida consistently offers up the pretty tight competition.