Aussie Min Woo Lee Just a Stroke Behind the Lead at The Players Championship After Remarkable Par Save on 18th Hole

Australian golfer Min Woo Lee executed a remarkable par save on the 18th hole, narrowing his gap to just one stroke off the lead after the first round of The Players Championship in Florida on Friday (AEDT).

The aspirations of compatriot Jason Day took a hit as the 2016 champion withdrew from the competition without playing a shot due to a stomach ailment.

However, Lee proudly represented Australia at TPC Sawgrass, finishing his first round with an impressive five-under 67.

The 26-year-old currently trails US players Lucas Glover and J.J. Spaun, along with Colombian Camilo Villegas, by a single stroke.

A stunning par save out of the rough on the par-four 18th ensured that the Paris 2024 Olympian stayed within contention.

“Oh my god, what was that?” Lee lamented after he sliced his tee shot dramatically to the right with his two-iron.

His second shot ricocheted off the rough, crossing the cart path and landing in the pine straw just off the fairway.

However, Lee then executed a dazzling punch shot with his pitching wedge that carried onto the green, settling 22 feet behind the pin, and just 10 feet from the water.

A precise putt for par capped off the extraordinary escape.

“I managed to produce the worst swing of the day, about 40 yards off target,” Lee commented about his initial tee shot.

“I was just thrilled to have a par putt. I was completely out of position. That third shot could have easily ended up in the water had I pulled it, but I managed to pull off a bit of magic with my pitching wedge and executed it perfectly.”

The prestigious golf site GOLF.com praised Lee’s par save on social media, calling it “unbelievable.”

Adam Scott struggled towards the end, carding a two-over 74, while fellow Australian Cam Davis also faced challenges, finishing at four-over 76.