Minjee Lee turns to broomstick putter but can’t keep pace with leaders as the LPGA season begins

Adam Scott won the Masters after turning to a long putter and another Australian superstar has wheeled out the long stick for the first time.

Minjee Lee’s broomstick putter debut didn’t net the birdie blitz she hoped for as the two-time major champ unveiled her new weapon at the LPGA’s season-opening tournament in Florida.

Lee, who has dropped from world No.2 to 19 amid a winless streak, has moved to the long putter used by fellow Australian major winner Adam Scott in a bid to address short-putting woes.

The 2022 US Open champ went winless in 2024 and is facing an uphill battle to contend at the Tournament of Champions in Florida after carding four bogeys, to go with four birdies, in a rollercoaster even-par round to begin her 2025 campaign.

Former NFL player Marcus Allen and Minjee Lee leaning on her new broomstick putter. Picture: Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images

In the elite, 32-player field, Lee is tied for 28th and seven shots behind Korea’s A Lim Kim, who set the opening day’s pace.

Reigning Greg Norman medallist Hannah Green fared much better and is primed to challenge after blowing out the cobwebs with an opening round of two-under as she looks to emulate, and better, her 2024 feats.

Green won three times and went to the Olympics for a second time, leading to her being crowned Australia’s best player.

“The Olympics is probably the coolest experience from last year even though I didn’t win that,” said Green, who finished tied for fourth at the Paris Games.

“Yes, it was really nice to have three tournament wins, but I think the crowds that we played in front of (at the Olympics) were probably the best crowds I have ever played in front of.

“That was all so fun wearing green and gold and having my team around me.

“But 2024 was such a good year and I felt like I somewhat flew under the radar a little bit.

Hannah Green was dialled in at the Lake Nona Golf and Country Club in Florida. Picture: Julio Aguilar/Getty Images

“But I am looking forward to coming to some events and defending … I am still hungry to get more trophies in my cabinet.”

Lee’s coach, Richie Smith, said this week the putter change was made with very specific aims.

“It’s important to note that Minjee is one of the best putters on tour over 10 feet, but she’s probably one of the weakest inside four feet, and it just wasn’t getting any better,” Smith told Golf Australia.

“She would have long periods where it was really good, and then she would have a round or two where she’d miss five or six in a row, and it would knock her confidence around.

“What we’re looking for is a more consistent result rather than highs and lows, and I think that we’re going to get it with this putter.”