‘A great of Australian sport’: how Minjee Lee rose to top in a golden era of women’s golf
Minjee Lee secured her third major title at the Women’s PGA Championship, overcoming a 19‑month winless stretch and a public putting crisis. The victory highlights her psychological rebirth and cements her status as one of Australia’s most successful female athletes.
Australian golfer Minjee Lee lifted the Women’s PGA Championship trophy on Sunday, delivering a dominant three‑stroke victory that not only earned her $2.8 million but also marked a dramatic turnaround after a 19‑month winless spell. The win, achieved on a course near her Dallas, Texas, second home, was punctuated by an emotional moment as Lee shed tears after sinking the final par putt on the 18th green.
From collapse to comeback
Lee entered the tournament carrying the weight of a public struggle that began at last year’s U.S. Open, where a three‑shot lead evaporated and she finished ninth after a painful collapse. The episode sparked intense scrutiny of her putting, prompting her to switch to a longer broomstick‑style putter—a move that became a visible symbol of her doubts. Over the following months, she endured a 19‑month drought without a victory, a period she later described as a "meltdown" that tested both her biomechanics and mental resilience.
Coach Ritchie Smith, who has guided Lee since her early professional days, says the transformation was as much psychological as technical. "She was always guarded and stoic," Smith explained. "Now she shows genuine emotion, she smiles more, and that freedom has unlocked a higher level of performance." The shift allowed Lee to re‑engage with the sport on her own terms, reducing the pressure of being solely defined by results.
Historic significance for Australian sport
Lee’s triumph places her alongside legends Karrie Webb and Jan Stephenson as the only Australian golfers to win three different major championships. While male greats such as Greg Norman captured multiple titles at a single major, Lee’s breadth of success across venues underscores a golden era for women’s golf. Her achievement also adds to a decade dominated by Australian women athletes—including Ash Barty, Sam Kerr, Lauren Jackson, Ellyse Perry, and Stephanie Gilmore—who have become global ambassadors for their sports.
Despite her international stature, Lee’s profile in Australia has lagged behind her peers, partly because golf lacks the mainstream appeal of cricket, rugby, or AFL. Moreover, her soft‑spoken demeanor contrasts with the flamboyant media presence of her younger brother, Min Woo Lee, who has risen rapidly on the PGA Tour. Nonetheless, Minjee’s career earnings approach US$20 million, far surpassing her brother’s prize money and cementing her status as the highest‑paid female athlete in the country.
The role of vulnerability in elite performance
Lee’s willingness to appear vulnerable on a global stage was a pivotal factor in her resurgence. After the 2023 U.S. Open, she described feeling "exposed" and "embarrassed"—emotions that lingered until she consciously chose to confront them. Smith notes that embracing vulnerability allowed Lee to detach her identity from pure performance metrics, fostering a healthier relationship with the game.
During the post‑round interview at the Women’s PGA Championship, Lee laughed when asked if she wished she had adopted the longer putter sooner, acknowledging that the adversity forced her to grow. The emotional display—her first public tear—signaled a break from the stoic persona that had defined her career.
What lies ahead
With the major now secured, Lee sits second in the world rankings and looks to build on her momentum. Smith emphasizes that the mental tools she has developed will be crucial as she navigates upcoming events, including the upcoming LPGA Tour stops and the 2025 U.S. Women’s Open. The broader narrative suggests that Lee’s story could inspire a new generation of Australian golfers, especially women, to pursue the sport with both technical precision and emotional authenticity.
For now, the champagne shower on the 18th green and the tears of relief encapsulate a career reborn. Lee herself called the victory "my most deserved"—a testament to the years of introspection, hard work, and the willingness to evolve both on and off the course.
Why it matters
Lee's comeback illustrates how mental resilience can reshape elite sport performance, while her historic win elevates women's golf in Australia.
Key points
- Minjee Lee won the Women’s PGA Championship, her third major title
- The victory ended a 19‑month winless streak and a public putting crisis
- Lee’s psychological shift, including embracing vulnerability, was key to her resurgence
- She joins Karrie Webb and Jan Stephenson as the only Australians with three different majors
- Lee now ranks second worldwide and is the highest‑paid female athlete in Australia
Frequently asked questions
What major did Minjee Lee win to end her winless streak?
She captured the Women’s PGA Championship, finishing three strokes ahead of the runner‑up.
How did Minjee Lee change her putting technique?
After struggles at the 2023 U.S. Open, she switched to a longer broomstick‑style putter, which helped stabilize her short game.
Who is Minjee Lee's brother and how does his career compare?
Her brother is Min Woo Lee, a rising PGA Tour player; while he has gained media attention, Minjee's earnings and major titles far exceed his at this stage.
What does coach Ritchie Smith say about Lee's emotional growth?
Smith says Lee has moved from a guarded, stoic demeanor to showing genuine emotion, which has made her happier and more relaxed on the course.
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