MINJEE Lee became just the fourth Australian to win three or more major championships with a dominant victory in the Women’s PGA Championship.
Lee joined the select group by winning her third major trophy, a four-under par total around the demanding Fields Ranch course in Texas good enough for the Western Australian to finish three shots clear of Thailand’s Chanettee Wannasaen and American Auston Kim.
The hard-fought victory in windy conditions saw Lee join Karrie Webb (7), Peter Thomson (5) and Jan Stephenson (3) as the only Aussies to win three or more major titles.
Lee led by four strokes heading into the final round, her advantage extended to five shots early in the round, but in the brutally tough conditions following four bogeys in the opening 10 holes and her lead had been reduced to just two.
Remaining calm under pressure, Lee birdied 14 and 15 in restoring her four-shot advantage, before going on to claim victory, adding the PGA trophy to her previous major triumphs at the 2021 Evian Championship and 2022 US Open.
Minjee Lee joined a selected group of Australian golfers with a third major championship victory.
“I saw every single leaderboard and knew exactly where I was all of today,” Lee said of her final round. “I’d check the scores and come back to each shot and execute as best I could. I just really played within myself today.
“I just said, stick to my gameplan, it’s a battle against myself. 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.”
Lee was joined on the 18th green for an emotional celebration by the Australian contingent, before singling out her family for the support she receives.
“My parents have sacrificed so much for me to be in this position,” she said.
“Wherever Min Woo 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.”
Legendary Australian Karrie Webb was an interested spectator during the last day of the tournament, calling in to the broadcasters in praise of the eventual winner.
“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.”
While in the moments after confirming the win, Lee’s younger brother Min Woo, after finishing his fourth round at the Travellers Championship in Connecticut, was another to congratulate his sister.
“I’m so proud of you,” Min Woo 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.
Gabriela Ruffels and Grace Kim were next best of the Australians, the pair finishing in a share of 36th.
STOP PRESS: Minjee Lee went within a shot of joining the playoff at the Evian Championship, won by fellow Aussie Grace Kim. Lee made an eagle at the par five 18th in finishing 13-under par, one shot shy of Kim and Thai professional Jeeno Thitikul.
Carry on Karrie
SEVEN-TIME major winner Karrie Webb will make her US Senior Women’s Open debut at the San Diego Country Club from August 21-24.
Webb, who turned 50 last December, is a LPGA and World Golf Hall of Fame member, is fully exempt into the championship.
Karrie Webb will contest the US Senior Women’s Open during August.
The Queenslander is the only player in LPGA history to win five different majors – the du Maurier Classic (1999), Kraft Nabisco Championship (2000-2006), McDonald’s LPGA Championship (2001) and the Women’s British Open (2002) in addition to her US Women’s Open titles in 2000 and 2001.
A 41-time winner on the LPGA Tour, Webb said she was excited to be playing in her first senior major.
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