Australia’s Minjee Lee has solidified her status as a top golfer by winning her third major title at the Women’s PGA Championship in Texas. She joins fellow Australians Karrie Webb and Jan Stephenson in achieving three major wins. Lee’s victory marks a significant comeback after a challenging period that nearly ended her career. This win symbolizes a peak in women’s golf and showcases Lee’s growth from a promising talent into a determined champion.
From Prodigy to World Number Two
Minjee Lee, a prodigy from Perth, turned professional at 17 in 2012. She swiftly climbed the LPGA Tour, winning her first title at the 2014 Kingsmill Championship. By 2019, she reached world number two and secured numerous tournament victories. Despite her achievements, Lee’s modest demeanor kept her out of Australia’s sports limelight, overshadowed by more charismatic figures in tennis, cricket, and football.
A 19-Month Winless Run
Lee faced a challenging period in late 2023. After finishing second at the Evian Championship in July, she didn’t win any tournaments for 19 months. Her struggles culminated at the U.S. Open, where she led by three strokes before faltering under pressure, bogeying four of the first six holes, and finishing ninth. This collapse not only lost her a second major title but also affected her confidence and public image.
Technical Overhaul: The Broomstick Putter
Lee and her coach, Ritchie Smith, revamped her putting technique to address her game’s weakest point. She switched to a broomstick putter, a long-shafted design that allows for a more stable grip. This controversial change sparked debate among golf experts about its effectiveness under major-championship pressure.
Rebuilding Stroke by Stroke
Lee focused intensely on improving her putting skills during the off-season. She spent countless hours practicing, examining her setup, stroke, and alignment. “The more I heard about my putting, the more it got to me,” she confessed. “I knew I had to confront it directly or it would keep haunting me.” By early 2025, her putting stats soared, moving from negative to the tour’s top 25, paving the way for her comeback.
Psychological Transformation
Lee faced a significant challenge in changing her mindset. Initially, she appeared stoic, hiding her emotions. However, the U.S. Open incident forced her to face her hidden vulnerabilities. With Smith’s help, she started psychological training, collaborating with a sports psychologist to build mental strength and emotional openness.
Embracing Vulnerability
Lee admitted she was usually reserved, but after winning the PGA, emotions overwhelmed her. She rarely cried, but that day was different due to her self-doubt. Embracing her emotions—fear, frustration, and joy—gave her newfound freedom. On the 18th green at Fields Ranch East, sinking the par putt for victory, her tears symbolized not weakness but the end of a transformative journey.Third Major, Third Stroke of Validation
Lee triumphed with a three-stroke win over Jeena Thitikul and Hye-jin Choi, highlighting her technical and mental comeback. Her perfect back-nine, with birdies on holes 14 and 15, demonstrated her strategic skill and calmness. She stated, “This one means more to me,” as she achieved it uniquely. The US$2.8 million prize boosted her career earnings to nearly US$20 million, crowning her as Australia’s top-earning female athlete.
Golden Era of Women’s Golf
Lee’s triumph symbolizes a golden age in women’s golf, highlighted by stars like Lydia Ko from New Zealand, In Gee Chun from South Korea, and American Nelly Korda. The LPGA Tour is more competitive than ever, with diverse nationalities and styles elevating performance. Lee’s coach, Smith, asserts her legendary status: “I may be biased, but she’s a great in Australian sports—not just golf.
Sibling Rivalry on the PGA Tour
Min Woo Lee has quickly advanced on the men’s PGA Tour, while his sister Minjee Lee shines in women’s golf. They made history as the first brother-sister duo in the same Olympics—Minjee in Paris and Min Woo with a top-10 finish at the U.S. Open. Min Woo’s bold social media contrasts with Minjee’s quiet determination, highlighting their unique family legacy. Despite Min Woo’s rising fame, Minjee’s three major wins and consistent performance distinguish her as Australia’s top golfer, regardless of gender.
Australian Sporting Icon
Lee’s PGA Championship win has skyrocketed her profile in Australia. Women’s golf, often overlooked, now shines with TV interviews, sponsorships, and front-page news. Sports Australia CEO Scott Johnson praised Lee as “an inspiration for young women nationwide.” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also congratulated her online. Lee’s journey from a neglected tour player to a national icon shows her influence far beyond the golf course.
Looking Ahead: Chasing the Career Grand Slam
Minjee Lee, with major wins in the U.S. Women’s Open (2022), Evian Championship (2021), and Women’s PGA, now aims for the Chevron Championship, ANA Inspiration, and AIG Women’s British Open. Securing these would grant her a career grand slam, elevating her to legendary status in golf. “I haven’t put any pressure on myself,” Lee remarks, “but yes, that would be pretty special.
The Legacy of Resilience
Minjee Lee’s journey—from a winless year and public struggles to a major comeback—demonstrates resilience in elite sports. Her readiness to change technique, show vulnerability, and push through doubt highlights the mental strength needed at the top level. Her story, significant beyond golf, is a testament to perseverance, reinvention, and belief.
Minjee Lee stands out as a top Australian athlete, symbolizing a crucial time for women’s sports. As more people follow women’s competitions and athletes seek equal recognition, her achievements highlight the importance of investment, media attention, and grassroots support. Lee represents not just a champion but an inspiring example of what dedication and courage can accomplish.
In the lush surroundings of Fields Ranch East, amidst celebrations and media attention, Minjee Lee showcased her enduring excellence and personal growth. Her victory in women’s golf was both a professional and personal triumph, freeing her from doubt and restoring her joy. Lee has transformed her legacy and sparked a new era in women’s sports.
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