A Thrilling Victory in Frisco
Minjee Lee, the 29-year-old Australian professional based in Irving, Texas, delivered a commanding performance at the KPMG Women's PGA Championship in Frisco. Entering the final round with a comfortable four-stroke advantage, Lee maintained her position at the top through the round despite encountering a few early missteps. Her focused play throughout the day led her to secure her third major title, marking her 11th career win and placing her among the select group of Australian golfers who have claimed three majors.
Lee’s round began with a moment of tension as a few early bogeys threatened to disrupt her concentration. Reflecting on the round, she explained, "I was aware of my standing on the scorecard from the start. I did feel a bit anxious when the heat made my pulse quicken. I came across as composed, but I wasn’t as collected as some might have thought." Her ability to recover from those initial setbacks proved crucial as she managed to record a 2-over 74 in the final round while never allowing her lead to drop below two strokes. Finishing with a cumulative score of 4-under 284, Lee finished three strokes ahead of Auston Kim and Chanettee Wannasaen—both of whom were the only other players to complete the championship under par on the windy Fields Ranch East course.
Overcoming Challenges on the Course
During a critical mid-stretch on the front nine, Lee encountered a challenging four-hole sequence where she recorded three bogeys, yet she quickly regrouped and adjusted her strategy. At the same time, her playing partner, Jeeno Thitikul—the world’s second-ranked competitor—struggled with accuracy on the very first few holes, recording bogeys on both par-5s among the opening three. Thitikul, who is still in search of her first major championship win, ended her round with a 75, finishing at 1-over 289 and ultimately tying for fourth alongside Chisato Iwai, who carded a solid 71.
Despite a turbulent start on some holes, Lee’s performance in the final round proved to be resilient. At one key moment on the 13th hole, a 170-yard par, she sank an 8-foot putt for par that allowed her to retain a two-stroke cushion while sitting at 3-under par. This important stroke came just as Chanettee Wannasaen managed to roll in a 14-foot putt for an eagle on the 235-yard par-4 15th hole, which briefly reduced her deficit. Wannasaen, however, could not capitalize on that momentum; she missed the green at the subsequent 455-yard 16th and soon recorded a bogey that extinguished her brief hope.
Lee’s visible relief was evident when a subtle fist pump followed a 9-foot birdie at the course’s only par-5 on the back nine. She then followed that success with another birdie on the next hole. Notably, Lee stands alone this week as the only player able to record two rounds in the 60s – with a 69 on Thursday and another 69 on Saturday – a feat that emphasizes her consistency and poise under pressure.
A Record-Breaking Prize and Historic Achievement
Ranked 24th in the official standings, Lee’s victory came with an impressive financial reward: she claimed $1.8 million of the tournament’s record purse of $12 million, a figure that has been raised from $10.4 million in previous years. This purse matches the prize fund of the U.S. Women’s Open and further highlights the increasing stakes on the LPGA Tour. Lee’s earlier triumph in the 2022 U.S. Women’s Open, where she also won by four strokes and gathered the same prize money, underscores her ability to perform when it matters most.
Both Auston Kim and Chanettee Wannasaen dazzled with low scoring in the final round, each posting a 68 – the day’s best round which tied the tournament’s top performance after only two rounds had produced a score of 68. Kim, who remained free of bogeys early on, found himself settling for pars after squeezing together three successive birdies on the front nine. Commenting on his performance under pressure, Kim expressed satisfaction with his composure amid numerous challenges on the course. He admitted that although the stakes were high, the pressure felt somewhat relieved by his position on the leaderboard as he chased Lee’s strong score.
The round was not without its natural challenges. Gusts in the range of 15-20 mph were present throughout the day, a contrast to the more aggressive winds of 30 mph or higher experienced previously. Those onlookers and competitors were reminded of how environmental factors continuously required smart, adaptable play on a course known for its demanding conditions. Thitikul, who had held the solo lead after the first two rounds, was unable to maintain that form – a 76 on Saturday cost her the early advantage when Lee recorded a remarkable round without any bogeys.
Tactical Play and Key Moments
Lee’s approach to the day was straightforward: she focused on simple, steady execution. When she spoke about her performance, she noted that despite some drives landing poorly, she managed the recovery shots well and kept her score within reach. She identified holes 14 and 15 as prime opportunities to score birdies and maintained a measured pace until those chances arrived. Her game plan was effective; though her first misstep came on the par-5 third hole when an errant shot landed in a challenging bunker, she then experienced consecutive bogeys on the 441-yard fifth and 434-yard sixth holes. It was not until the ninth hole that a birdie helped her establish a solid 4-under mark, extending her advantage over both Thitikul and Kim.
Kim’s round itself was one of remarkable resilience. Starting the final round nine strokes behind, his performance was one of many notable comebacks in major women’s events. Historical examples include Lee’s own comeback at the 2021 championship event in France, where she overturned a seven-stroke deficit to secure her first major title. On the opening hole of the day, Kim made an immediate impact by sinking a 5-foot birdie putt on the 528-yard par-5 first, which helped him narrow the gap as he rallied with three birdies on the front nine. A particularly memorable moment came on the 157-yard eighth hole when his tee shot halted just inches from the cup, adding to the mounting pressure on Lee.
A Legacy Cemented on the Green
This victory propels Lee into the elite group of golfers who have not only triumphed in major championships multiple times but have also remained a constant competitor on the LPGA Tour this season. With 16 wins in 16 events this year, her claim to excellence is indisputable, even as top-ranked Nelly Korda – a seven-time winner from last year – fell short with a final round 76 that left her tied for 19th at 6-over 294.
Spectators in Frisco witnessed a blend of technical precision and mental fortitude from Lee. The shifting winds and sporadic difficulty of the course did not derail her. On the contrary, her disciplined play and careful decisions turned potential disruptions into opportunities for enhanced scoring. As the tournament came to a close, the dramatic shots and well-executed plays reinforced Lee’s reputation as one of the sport’s most reliable and skilled competitors.
The record-setting purse of $12 million and the significant share of prize money that went to Lee emphasize the evolving rewards in professional golf. The financial aspects of the tournament mirror the intense competition and excellence on display throughout the event. Lee’s win, marked by her ability to keep hold of her four-stroke lead from the onset of the final round and finish strongly, represents a significant milestone in a career that continues to gain momentum among the world’s best.
In the immediate aftermath of the tournament, the excitement of the day remains palpable. Each impressive shot along the wind-swept fairways and through the pin-pricked greens contributed to a day filled with captivating golf. Lee’s measured approach on the most testing holes ensured that her performance stayed at a consistently high level, and the resounding response from the field and the audience speaks to the high quality of golf displayed on this memorable day in Frisco.
