LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Australia’s Minjee Lee secured her third major championship with a dominant victory at the PGA Championship, cementing her status as one of golf’s elite players. The 28-year-old finished at 13-under par, holding off a late charge from world No. 1 Nelly Korda to claim the title by two strokes at Valhalla Golf Club.
Lee’s triumph adds to her previous major wins at the 2021 Evian Championship and the 2022 U.S. Women’s Open, further solidifying her legacy in the sport. "This one feels extra special," Lee said in her post-round press conference. "Valhalla is such a tough course, and to beat the best players in the world under pressure—it’s a dream come true."
A Flawless Final Round
Entering Sunday with a one-shot lead, Lee delivered a masterclass in precision and composure. She carded a bogey-free 67, highlighted by three birdies on the back nine to fend off Korda’s relentless pursuit. Key moments included:
- A clutch 15-foot birdie putt on the 14th to regain the lead
- A near-perfect approach on the 17th, setting up a tap-in par
- A steady two-putt par on the 18th to seal the win
Korda, who shot a 66, praised Lee’s resilience: "Minjee was just unshakable today. Every time I thought I had a chance, she answered with a great shot. That’s what champions do." The American’s runner-up finish extended her streak of top-10 major finishes to five.
A Career-Defining Moment
With this victory, Lee joins an exclusive group of players with three or more women’s major titles, a list that includes legends like Annika Sörenstam and Inbee Park. Her coach, Ritchie Smith, credited her work ethic: "Minjee’s dedication to improving every part of her game—especially her putting—has been incredible. She’s never satisfied, and that’s why she keeps winning."
By the Numbers
- 13-under: Lee’s winning score, the lowest at the PGA Championship since 2018
- 72.3%: Greens in regulation for the week, ranking 1st in the field
- 5: Top-5 finishes in majors since 2021
The win also moves Lee to No. 2 in the Rolex Rankings, just behind Korda. When asked about the rivalry, Lee smiled: "Nelly’s an amazing player, and we push each other. I think fans are going to see some great battles between us for years to come."
What’s Next for Lee?
Lee’s victory sets the stage for a historic summer. She’ll head to the U.S. Women’s Open next month as a favorite, followed by the Olympics, where she’ll represent Australia alongside Hannah Green. "Winning a gold medal would be the ultimate," she admitted. "But for now, I’m just going to enjoy this one."
As the sun set over Valhalla, Lee lifted the trophy amid cheers from the crowd—a fitting end to a week that proved, once again, that she belongs among golf’s all-time greats.
