NewsBite

Minjee Lee wins women’s PGA championship to clinch third golf major

Australian star Minjee Lee moved another step closer to golfing greatness by winning a third major trophy at the women’s PGA Championship in Texas.

Australian star Minjee Lee moved another step closer to golfing greatness by winning a third major trophy at the women’s PGA Championship in Texas, finishing -4, and three shots clear of Thailand’s Chanettee Wannasaen and American Auston Kim.

The hard-fought win in windy conditions sees Lee join Karrie Webb (7), Peter Thomson (5) and Jan Stephenson (3) as the only Aussies to win three or more major trophies.

Lee was in the box seat heading into the final round after shooting a remarkable bogey-free three under in the third round to take a four stroke lead over Thailand’s world number two Jeeno Thitikul.

Minjee Lee with her third major trophy. Picture: Alex Slitz/Getty Images
Minjee Lee with her third major trophy. Picture: Alex Slitz/Getty Images

That lead went out to five shots when Thitikul bogeyed the first at Fields Ranch, but in brutally tough conditions, Lee suffered a few wobbles to open her final round, with four bogeys in the opening 10 holes seeing her lead cut down to two.

But the ice cool Lee remained calm just as the pressure really ramped up, with a clutch par putt on the par three 13th maintaining her two shot advantage over Kim, Wannasaen and Thitikul.

Big time birdies on 14 and 15 saw Lee with one hand on the trophy with her lead restored to four shots, but there was still work to do after a bogey on 16.

The West Australian was perfect on 17 and 18 to add the PGA trophy to her 2021 Evian Championship and 2022 US Open triumph.

Minjee Lee gets the job done. Picture: Sam Hodde/Getty Images
Minjee Lee gets the job done. Picture: Sam Hodde/Getty Images
And lets the moment sink in. Picture: Sam Hodde/Getty Images
And lets the moment sink in. Picture: Sam Hodde/Getty Images

“A lot of patience out there today,” she said moments after the win. “I had ups and downs today, some shots were going my way and some weren’t.

“I knew there were some opportunities coming down the stretch to make some birdies. I just played my very best.

“I saw every single leaderboard and knew exactly where I was all of today. I’d check the scores and come back to each shot and execute as best I could. I just really played within myself today.”

Just moments after finishing his fourth round at the Travellers Championship in Connecticut, Lee’s younger brother, Minwoo, was one of the first to congratulate his sister.

“Congrats, Minjee for winning the KPMG women’s PGA Championship, I’m so proud of you,” Minwoo said in a video message. “The last couple of years have been tough, and I’m so glad to see you back in the winner’s circle.

“I’m proud of you, and I love you.”

After an emotional celebration, Minjee spoke about how her family motivates her on tour.

“My parents have sacrificed so much for me to be in this position,” she said. “I can’t say more thanks. It’s extra special I could win in front of them.

“Wherever Minwoo is he’s supporting. He’s a social media nut, so he’s on top of that.

“My dad’s back in Aus, I don’t know what time it is, but they’ve all got my back. It’s unconditional.”

The legendary Webb called into the broadcast as Lee fought back over the final six holes, saying it can be tougher to win a championship with a four shot lead rather than a one-shot advantage.

Especially considering Lee’s heartbreaking loss at last year’s US Open, when she let a three shot lead slip away in the final round.

Minjee Lee hugs her caddie on the 18th hole green after winning the PGA Championship. Picture: Sam Hodde/Getty Images
Minjee Lee hugs her caddie on the 18th hole green after winning the PGA Championship. Picture: Sam Hodde/Getty Images

“She’s hanging tough, she’s got such a great mentality for major championships,” Webb said of Lee. “She’s not showing any negative body language to her playing partners, which is probably making them feel like she’s in control, even though she’s probably very nervous.”

Minjee admitted it was another tough round.

“I just said, stick to my gameplan, it’s a battle against myself,” she said. “Especially with how tough the conditions were, not just today, but all week.

“It was amplified today because it’s a major Sunday. Just be patient and take it as it comes.”

The legendary Webb called into the broadcast as Lee fought back over the final six holes.

“She’s hanging tough, she’s got such a great mentality for major championships,” Webb said of Lee. “She’s not showing any negative body language to her playing partners, which is probably making them feel like she’s in control, even though she’s probably very nervous.”

Lee, Wannasaen and Kim were the only three players to finish the championship under par on a tough course, with Aussies Gabriela Ruffels and Grace Kim finishing in a share of 36th.

Karis Davidson and Stephanie Kyriacou finished +12 in 47th, while 2019 PGA Championship winner Hannah Green finished 68th.

Originally published as Minjee Lee wins women’s PGA championship to clinch third golf major

Add your comment to this story

To join the conversation, please Don't have an account? Register

Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/golf/minjee-lee-wins-womens-pga-championship-to-clinch-third-golf-major/news-story/aa3d97959ceb70daf4b0bcc6cae60ad8