Min Woo Lee Claims First PGA TOUR Victory at Texas Children’s Houston Open
Min Woo Lee has officially cemented his place as a rising star in the world of golf, capturing his first PGA TOUR win at the Texas Children’s Houston Open. His triumph at Memorial Park Golf Course, where he finished with a remarkable 20-under 260, marks a significant milestone in his career.
A Hard-Fought Victory
Lee's victory did not come easily. The Australian golfer delivered a series of impressive rounds, shooting 66-64-63-67 despite challenging weather conditions that included wind, rain, and mist. His performance at the historic municipal golf course, redesigned by Tom Doak in 2019, placed him among an elite group of seven players who have claimed their first PGA TOUR win at this event.
Heading into the final round with a four-shot lead, Lee maintained a steady approach throughout the day. He played conservatively, avoiding major mistakes and turning in a 2-under 33 on the front nine. However, several competitors, including Gary Woodland, Scottie Scheffler, and Rory McIlroy, made aggressive pushes with exceptional rounds. Woodland posted a stunning 62, Scheffler recorded a 63, and McIlroy finished with a 64, intensifying the pressure on Lee.
A Crucial Moment at the 16th Hole
Despite maintaining his lead for most of the round, Lee faced a pivotal challenge at the par-5 16th hole. His tee shot veered right into a massive water hazard, forcing him to take a penalty drop and play his third shot from the tee. This resulted in his only bogey of the day at a crucial juncture in the tournament.
"That’s why Sundays are so tough," Lee later reflected. "You know people are creeping. You know people are attacking."
As he approached his next shots, Lee knew that world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler was making a charge. Despite his lack of prior PGA TOUR victories, he drew confidence from his outstanding play throughout the tournament. Keeping a calm and focused mindset, Lee avoided further mistakes and held onto his lead.
A Defining Putt for the Win
The defining moment of Lee's victory came at the 18th hole, where his approach shot from 155 yards rolled off the green, leaving him with a difficult putt from the fringe. Instead of chipping, he opted for the "Texas wedge," a putter shot from off the green, a decision he later described as the "reliable choice." His ball stopped just 8 inches from the cup, securing his win by one stroke over Scheffler and Woodland, who finished at 19-under 261.
"I was very happy to see it go very close," Lee said with relief and joy.
An Emotional Celebration
After sealing his victory, Lee shared a touching moment with his family. He spoke with his sister, LPGA star Minjee Lee, via video call, while his mother, overwhelmed with emotion, cried tears of joy. His father, who had been playing golf that day, also joined in the celebration.
Reflecting on his achievement, the 26-year-old emphasized the mental strength required to win at the highest level. "It was a very mentally grinding day," he admitted. "But I’m super proud to win."
With 500 FedExCup points added to his name and a move to 16th in the season standings, Lee has proven that he possesses both the skill and the mental fortitude to compete at the top level. His first PGA TOUR victory is likely just the beginning of a promising career.
