Minjee Lee wins third major title with KPMG Women’s PGA Championship victory
Minjee Lee with her hard earned trophy – image PGA of America
Minjee Lee has joined Jan Stephenson as Australia’s second most successful winner of female major titles (3) with a three-shot victory over Thailand’s Chanettee Wannasaen and Auston Kim at the KPGM Women’s PGA Championship in Frisco near Dallas in Texas, the victory moving her and Stephenson behind only Karrie Webb’s amazing seven major titles.
It was Lee’s 11th LPGA Tour title and her cheque for US$1.8 million will take her career earnings on the LPGA Tour to nearly US$17.5 million.
There were, however, times during today’s final round when her four-shot 54-hole lead came under threat. Three bogeys in her opening six holes brought her back to the field somewhat, although those chasing were also feeling the demands of the Fields Ranch East layout.
A birdie at the 9th settled things a little but a bogey at the 10th had her only two ahead before birdies at the 14th and 15th moved her four clear and even though she bogeyed the 16th she had done enough to enjoy the final two holes and win by three over Wannasaen and American Auston Kim.
Kim and Wannasaen both recorded the best rounds of the day (68) to move from a share of 10th into their tie for 2nd place, reducing their nine-shot 54-hole deficit to just three at the finish.
For Lee, it was her first win on the LPGA Tour since her 10th LPGA Tour title at the Kroger Queen City Championship in July of 2023.
“A lot of patience out there today,” said Lee when asked about how she managed to win again. “Obviously I had ups and downs today, and I just felt like some shots were going my way and some shots weren’t. I knew some opportunities were coming down the stretch to make some birdies and close the gap a little bit. Yeah, I just played my very best.
“I just said, just stick to my game plan. I know, it’s a battle against myself pretty much, especially with how tough the conditions were this whole week, not just today; just amplified because it’s major Sunday. Yeah, just be patient and take every shot as it comes.”
Several of Lee’s family and friends were present to witness the victory and she acknowledged their support
“I mean, my parents have sacrificed so much for me to be in this position. You know, I can’t say more things than I’m already thankful. Yeah, it’s just extra special that I could win in front of them. Obviously, wherever Min Woo is, he’s supporting me out there. He’s a social media nut, so he’s on top of that.
“So it is really cool and obviously my dad is back in Oz. I don’t know what time it is there, but he’s tuning in and they always have my back. So it’s really nice and it’s great support and unconditional.”
The win opens up discussion on the possibility of Lee joining the LPGA Tour’s Hall of Fame and it is a goal that has been very much one of Lee’s long-term aspirations.
“I mean, that is my ultimate goal. I really wanted to be in the Hall of Fame. That’s why I started golf. That’s why I wanted to be on the LPGA Tour, to, you know, win a bunch of tournaments and try to get into it.
“Seeing Lydia do it, I think I would really like to get there. We’ll see how we go after this week.”
Lydia Ko improved 14 places with her last round of 71 to finish in a share of 14th to be the next best of the Australasians.
