How Minjee Lee’s Putter Change Sparked Her Major PGA Championship Triumph

Minjee Lee: From Ball-Striking Genius to Putting Powerhouse

Did you know Minjee Lee was once considered one of the LPGA's weakest putters despite her reputation as a top ball-striker? Since joining the LPGA, Lee dazzled fans with her precision off the tee and from the fairway. Yet, from 2021 to 2024, she consistently ranked near the bottom in strokes gained putting, even falling to 157th. This put a ceiling on her championship aspirations, frustrating both her and her global fanbase. But 2025 brought a seismic shift in her game and reputation.

The Turning Point: A Bold Putter Switch

Lee’s transformation began with a courageous decision: swapping her longtime blade for a 42-inch Odyssey Ai-ONE Square 2 Square No. 7 broomstick putter. Inspired by her coach Ritchie Smith and the success of fellow Australian Adam Scott, Lee spent the 2024-2025 offseason experimenting with the new club. The broomstick style, rare among female pros, offered her greater stability on short putts—a chronic weakness in previous seasons. Lee’s willingness to challenge tradition and embrace change became a hot topic on golf blogs and Korean fan communities.

2025: A Statistical Revolution

The numbers tell the story. Lee soared from 157th in strokes gained putting in 2024 to 8th in 2025, an almost unprecedented leap at the elite level. At the 2025 KPMG Women's PGA Championship, she led the entire field in putting, gaining 2.536 strokes per round on the greens. This wasn’t just a statistical anomaly—it was the foundation of her third career major and 11th LPGA title. Golf analysts and fans alike marveled at her consistency, especially under the intense pressure of major championship play.

KPMG Women's PGA Championship: The Breakthrough

The 2025 KPMG Women's PGA Championship at Fields Ranch East in Frisco, Texas, was the ultimate proving ground. Lee entered the final round with a four-shot lead and, despite blustery winds and firm greens, held her nerve to clinch a three-stroke victory. Her performance was marked by resilience: even after early bogeys, she rebounded with crucial birdies and clutch putts. The win placed her alongside Karrie Webb and Jan Stephenson as the only Australian women with three or more LPGA majors, cementing her legacy.

Community Buzz: Korean and Global Fan Reactions

Korean online communities like Naver, Daum, and DC Inside exploded with pride and excitement. Positive comments dominated, with fans calling her putter switch 'a masterstroke' and celebrating her perseverance. Some skeptics wondered if the broomstick was a fad, but the overwhelming sentiment was admiration for her adaptability. On Tistory and golf-specific blogs, writers dissected her putting stats and technique, offering tips for amateurs and celebrating her as a role model for overcoming adversity.

Cultural Context: Why Lee’s Story Resonates

For international fans, Lee’s journey is more than a sports story—it’s a lesson in resilience and innovation. Her Korean heritage, Australian upbringing, and global career make her a symbol of multicultural excellence. The broomstick putter, once seen as unconventional, is now a symbol of her courage to break the mold. In Korean golf culture, where tradition often reigns, Lee’s success is inspiring a new generation to experiment and adapt.

The Science Behind the Broomstick Putter

Lee’s switch wasn’t just about equipment—it was about biomechanics and mental confidence. The longer putter allowed her to anchor against her forearm, reducing wrist breakdown and delivering a smoother stroke under pressure. Her coach emphasized that while Lee was always strong from long range, the broomstick gave her the consistency she lacked inside four feet. This technical change, combined with relentless practice, turned her biggest weakness into a championship-winning weapon.

Looking Ahead: Lee’s Place in Golf History

With three majors and 11 LPGA wins, Minjee Lee is now among the all-time greats of women’s golf. Her 2025 season is being hailed as one of the sport’s most dramatic comebacks. As she continues to inspire fans in Korea, Australia, and beyond, Lee’s story will be remembered as a testament to the power of reinvention. Whether you’re a casual fan or a golf diehard, her journey is proof that even the best can get better—and that courage to change can lead to greatness.