Min Woo Lee overcomes two major challenges to secure first PGA Tour triumph

Aussie sensation Min Woo Lee has triumphed over two significant setbacks to clinch his first PGA Tour title at the Houston Open by a mere stroke.

At 26, he commenced the final round holding a four-shot advantage and managed to overcome penalties on the eighth and sixteenth holes, successfully fending off late threats from top-ranked Scottie Scheffler and Gary Woodland.

This victory marks Lee’s first win on any tour since the Australian PGA Championship in November 2023.

“It’s surreal to get it done and hit shots I wasn’t confident with a month ago,” he reflected after the round.

Lee started the round promisingly, making it to 1-under through seven holes, but then encountered his first major challenge on the eighth.

His drive veered far right off the tee, landing under a bush. He practised a recovery shot from his knees but was persuaded otherwise by his experienced caddie, Brian ‘Bo’ Martin.

He opted for an unplayable lie and cleverly punched back to the fairway, saving par.

Following up with consecutive birdies on holes 12 and 13, Lee expanded his lead back to four shots before facing another serious challenge on the par-5 16th.

Similar to the eighth, he again veered his tee shot far right, landing in a pond. Forced to re-tee, he recorded a bogey.

In the group ahead, Scheffler narrowly missed an eagle putt, settling for a birdie, which resulted in a two-shot swing.

Lee made par on 17, heading to the 18th tee with a slender one-shot advantage. When Scheffler failed to make birdie, Lee simply needed to secure par for the win. Yet, his second shot rolled over the green, making the task look daunting.

However, Lee executed a stunning putt, leaving himself a simple tap-in for victory. He erupted in a jubilant roar as the ball settled, pausing to let his playing partners hole out before marking his ball.

“It was a significant mental challenge – I’m incredibly proud,” Lee expressed.

“Scottie was right there, and it was nerve-wracking. I definitely didn’t mean to hit it so far right on the par-5, but that’s just golf for you,” Lee admitted.

“Bo advised me to keep my head focused; I played well for the other 71 holes.”

“I’m incredibly proud – this is a significant moment for my team, Coach Ritchie [Smith] and myself. Here’s to maintaining this momentum.”

Following a split from his long-time caddie, Stuart Davidson, after the Paris Olympics, Lee teamed up with Martin, who had been caddying for Shane Lowry when he won the 2019 British Open.

“Bo has been fantastic. I relied on myself a lot. You trust your caddie immensely, and we both knew victory was within reach soon,” Lee remarked.

“I’ve been performing well over the past few months, so to finally achieve this is gratifying. It’s exhausting and highly competitive out here, and I respect those who have won here many times.”

“I want to achieve more, but I need to prepare accordingly.”

Lee’s next challenge will be at the prestigious Masters at Augusta starting April 10.