Min Woo Lee equals course record in Detroit after call from major-winning sister

After a surprise call from his major-winning sister, Min Woo Lee went and did something he’s never done before.

Min Woo Lee shot a first-round 63. Picture: Gregory Shamus / Getty Images North America / Getty Images via AFP

Min Woo Lee thought his superstar sister Minjee had “butt dialled me” when his phone rang before he teed it up in the first round of the $15m Rocket Classic in Detroit.

But instead it was a purposely made call from the newly minted three-time major champion just to touch base and provide some inspiration for her younger sibling.

Whatever she said, it worked, as Min Woo blitzed the Detroit Golf Club layout to equal the course record with a nine-under 63 before his effort was beaten, twice, leaving him a shot off the lead.

Minjee collected her third major by winning the Women’s PGA Championship last weekend, another highlight in an “awesome” career that leaves Min Woo wanting to be better.

“Normally, she doesn’t check up on me, but it was actually quite nice to get a call from her,” he said.

“I was like, ‘did you butt dial me? What’s going on?‘ She’s like, ‘No, I just wanted to check in.’ I was like, ‘oh, OK’. She’s awesome.

Minjee Lee won the Women's PGA Championship last weekend. Picture: AP Photo/LM Otero

“I think she had a bit of a night on Sunday with a few of her friends. I think they all had a week off this week, so it’s good to see her in a nice mental space and happy on the course.

“She was going through a tough patch the last couple of years, so it’s nice to see her have her swagger back.

“I don’t think she learns that much off me. I try to learn off her. She’s just a beast when she’s playing good.

“She just doesn’t do much wrong and you just see that step in her walk. You know she’s comfortable with her game and you know she’s got control. She’s already a ball striker, so it’s quite cool to see her walk the walk. It’s a very cool thing. We’re trying to play as good as we can.”

Min Woo recorded the stunning round despite a second-hole bogey, peeling off nine birdies over the next 16 holes.

LET HIM COOK! Opening -9 (63) for @Minwoo27Lee! pic.twitter.com/DBdurZ3Inv

— Rocket Classic (@RocketClassic) June 26, 2025

But South African big hitter Aldrich Potgieter and American Kevin Roy then went a shot better in the afternoon to set the pace.

Australia’s defending champion Cam Davis opened with a two-over par 74, putting a title defence out of his reach.