Min Woo Lee holds off early challenge to win Australian PGA Championship
Lee celebrates the hole out at the 9th for eagle which came at a crucial time in his final round – image AGM
Min Woo Lee is the 2023 Australian PGA Champion following a final round of 67 at Royal Queensland today, giving the 25-year-old West Australian a three-shot victory over Japan’s Rikuya Hoshino.
Lee began the final round three ahead of Hoshino but by the time the pair had reached the 3rd tee they were tied up at 16 under after Lee had bogeyed the first and Hoshino birdied the opening two holes.
Through nine holes the gap had opened to four shots in Lee’s favour, however, mainly due to a holed pitch and run from 50 metres at the par 5 9th for eagle and, although Hoshino would birdie the same hole, the margin was four as they headed to the 10th tee.
Despite three bogeys by Lee on his closing nine, Hoshino could do little to bridge the gap and Lee would win his first flagship title in Australia and his 4th victory as a professional by three shots.
The victory will improve Lee to 40th in the world ranking and assure him of a return to Augusta National where he has already shown a capacity to play well having finished 14th on debut in 2022.
“I have always thought I could win but it has taken a little while to get over the hump but two wins in the last month or so makes me very proud of my team and myself.”
“It’s number 1 for sure. I mean, Scottish was obviously big and Vic Open’s big. Right now this is obviously the top, in front of Australia, in front of my family. It was special. I’ve been waiting for so long to play really well in Australia and I’m glad I did it this week at the Aus PGA. I’m really happy with the way I played the whole week.
“I knew it was coming, my team knew it was coming, but it was just a when question, so it was nice to get it done.”
As to the confirmation of a return to Augusta National Lee was delighted.
“Yeah, it was kind of in the back of my head if I missed cut the next two weeks, this week and next week, I didn’t know if I was going to make it. I was really confident in myself and knew if I played well that would solidify itself.
“I’m really excited. It’s one of the best places on earth for myself. I rate it so highly and it’s the best place to go. I rank that one the number one Major, obviously the Open’s right behind it, but yeah, Augusta’s a special place. I can’t wait to go back.”
Lee was clearly relieved after things got a little tight early in the round today but he nominated the chip and run for eagle at the 9th as a key turning point.
The hole out at the 9th was crucial for a swinging momentum at the time and Lee was very much aware of the importance that particular shot played in the win.
“I think that was probably the best atmosphere shot I have ever but at that point it was getting close and I was in a pretty average position off the tee so to chip that in was amazing. I want to see it as it was one of the best shots I have probably hit.”
Rikuya Hoshino – kept Lee honest throughout the final day – image Australian Golf Media
Hoshino finished runner-up with Marc Leishman producing the best final round (64) to finish in 3rd place, one shot behind Hoshino.
Hoshino was humble in his post-round interview interview and praised the winner and the event.
“I would like to congratulate Min Woo and his amazing play,” said the six-time winner in Japan. “This was my first time playing in Australia and my first time being here and I had a lot of fun playing in front of such big crowds.
“I was very sharp and achieved a good result so I’ll do my best to win next week as well.”
Curtis Luck recovered from a slow start to his round with a back nine of 31 for a round of 69 and 4th place alone.
The PGA Tour of Australasia and DP World Tour now move to Sydney for this week’s Australian Open Championship at the Australian and Lakes Golf Clubs.
