Minjee Lee Triumphs at KPMG Women’s PGA Championship

FRISCO, Texas (AP) — In a gripping finale to the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, Minjee Lee secured her third major title despite a challenging 2-over 74 in the final round. Lee maintained control throughout the day, ultimately finishing with a total score of 4-under 284, three strokes ahead of her closest competitors.

Key Moments of the Final Round

Beginning the day with a solid four-stroke lead, Lee faced adversity early with three bogeys in a challenging four-hole stretch on the front nine. Competing closely were Jeeno Thitikul and the world’s No. 2-ranked player, who both struggled with early bogeys on the par 5s within the first three holes.

Final Standings

Lee’s closest challengers, Auston Kim and Chanettee Wannasaen, finished at 1-under par after stellar rounds of 68, which were the best scores recorded in the tournament. Lee’s performance throughout the week marked her as the only player to have two rounds in the 60s, with scores of 69 on both Thursday and Saturday.

Conditions and Challenges

Despite encountering windy conditions, with gusts reaching 15 to 20 miles per hour, the atmosphere was significantly calmer than the previous day’s extreme winds. Lee noted, “A lot of patience out there today. Obviously, I had ups and downs…I was battling against myself, especially with how tough the conditions were.”

Prize and Achievements

With a record purse of $12 million for the tournament, Lee earned $1.8 million, matching her winnings from the 2022 U.S. Women’s Open. This victory marks Lee’s 11th career win, and her first of the current season, reflecting a highly competitive year on the LPGA Tour.

Notable Competitors

Brooke Henderson finished in a tie for 36th place at 10-over par, while Nelly Korda, the world’s top-ranked player, and semi-retired Lexi Thompson both concluded their rounds with 76s, landing tied for 19th and 12th, respectively. Thompson’s last major win dates back to 2014.

Looking Ahead

Thitikul, who held the lead after the first two rounds, fell to a score of 1-over 289 after a 75 on Sunday. As Lee celebrated her victory, she emphasized that she was fully aware of the tournament’s standings throughout the day and played strategically within herself, ensuring her focus remained steadfast.

With the year still young, the LPGA calendar promises more exciting tournaments where both established and emerging talents will compete for prestigious titles.

For more information, visit the official LPGA website.