Perth Phenom Minjee Lee Achieves Historic Triumph at PGA Championship

Australian golfing sensation Minjee Lee has clinched her third major title, making her only the fourth Australian to achieve this remarkable feat.

On Monday morning, Lee triumphed in the Women’s PGA Championship, securing victory with an impressive three-shot lead over her competitors.

She now stands alongside Australian legends Karrie Webb, Jan Stephenson, and Peter Thompson as one of only four Aussie golfers to claim three major titles.

Her previous accolades include winning the 2022 US Women’s Open and the 2021 Evian Championship.

The 29-year-old has now notched up 11 professional titles, including three majors, and commentators have noted that the Perth native is “on the way to a Hall of Fame career”.

After sinking the putt that sealed her victory, Lee was visibly emotional, placing her hands on her head in disbelief. She finished the tournament at 4-under par, making her one of just three competitors to end under par.

From the $18.5 million prize purse, Lee is set to earn around $2.8 million.

On the green, she was celebrated by fellow players, including compatriots Hannah Green and Steph Kyriacou, who joyously sprayed champagne over her.

Minjee’s younger brother, Min Woo, who is also a star on the PGA Tour, sent a heartfelt message to his sister after her win while he was competing at the Travelers Championship.

“Congratulations Minjee, I’m incredibly proud of you,” her brother exclaimed.

“The past few years have been challenging, and I’m thrilled to see you back in the winner’s circle. Love you lots.”

Lee’s mother was present to witness the win, while her father stayed back in Perth.

Overjoyed to join the ranks of three-time major winners with such esteemed company, Lee expressed, “It’s a fantastic feeling, especially knowing there are only a select few Australians who have accomplished this.”

“It’s truly special.”

“I experienced ups and downs today, and while some shots went my way, others didn’t,” she reflected.

“I gave it my all.”

“I stayed aware of my position throughout the day by following the leaderboard. I kept checking scores but focused on playing my own game.”

Lee maintained a lead of at least two shots throughout the tournament, including a crucial 8-foot par putt at the 13th hole to remain at 3-under par.

At that moment, Chanettee Wannasaen had just made an eagle putt at the 15th hole, moving to 1-under, but then stumbled with a bogey on the subsequent hole.

A subtle fist pump from Lee followed a 9-foot birdie at the 14th hole, the sole par 5 on the back nine, and she quickly backed it up with another birdie at the 15th. She was the only player to register two rounds in the 60s, shooting 69s on both Friday and Sunday.

Lee’s initial bogey occurred at the par-5 third after her approach shot landed in a deep bunker. She faced back-to-back bogeys on the fifth and sixth holes but bounced back with a birdie on the ninth to turn at 4-under, three shots clear of Thitikul and Kim.

Kim had entered the final round nine shots behind, two shy of the record comeback in women’s majors. Several players have accomplished such comebacks, including Lee herself, who achieved this during her victorious 2021 Evian Championship in France after trailing by seven shots.