Minjee Lee’s Historic Third Major: How the Aussie Star Conquered the 2025 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship

A New Queen of Majors: Minjee Lee’s Triumph in Texas

Did you know? Minjee Lee, the Korean-Australian golf sensation, has just secured her third career major title at the 2025 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship! The tournament, held at Fields Ranch East in Frisco, Texas, saw Lee battle not only a world-class field but also relentless winds and firm, lightning-fast greens. Lee’s final score of 4-under-par 284 put her three strokes clear of her closest competitors, Auston Kim and Chanettee Wannasaen. This victory not only cements her status among the elite of women’s golf but also marks her 11th LPGA Tour win, her first since the 2023 BMW Ladies Championship.

The Final Round: Drama, Pressure, and Grit

The final round on Sunday was anything but easy. Lee started the day with a four-shot lead but faced early adversity, carding three bogeys in a four-hole stretch on the front nine. Despite the nerves and mounting pressure, Lee’s composure shone through. She steadied herself with a crucial birdie on the ninth hole and managed to keep her challengers at bay, finishing with a 2-over 74. Her ability to maintain at least a two-stroke lead throughout the final round was a testament to her mental strength and strategic play. As Lee herself admitted post-round, she was nervous but relied on her experience and focus to get the job done.

Choi Hye-jin and Lee So-mi: Korean Stars Shine Bright

Korean golf fans had much to cheer for as Choi Hye-jin and Lee So-mi both finished tied for eighth at 3-over-par 291. For Lee So-mi, this marked her first-ever top-10 finish at an LPGA major—a significant milestone for the second-year player. Choi, meanwhile, continued her stellar major form, notching her third consecutive top-10 in major championships this season. Despite dropping from third to eighth in the final round, Choi’s consistency and resilience have made her a rising star to watch on the LPGA Tour. Their performances underline the continued strength and depth of Korean women’s golf on the world stage.

Record Prize Money and Next-Level Analytics

This year’s KPMG Women’s PGA Championship boasted a record $12 million purse, matching the U.S. Women’s Open for the highest in women’s golf history. Lee’s winner’s share of $1.8 million underscores the growing prestige and financial reward in the women’s game. Another major storyline was the introduction of advanced analytics and real-time data through the KPMG Performance Insights program. Players received detailed hole-by-hole analytics, helping them strategize against the course’s toughest challenges—like the notoriously difficult par-4 6th, which played 0.50 over par in Round 1. These innovations are reshaping how players and fans experience major championships.

Community Buzz: Korean Fans React

Online Korean communities like Naver, Daum, DC Inside, FM Korea, and PGR21 exploded with reactions following Lee’s victory. Positive comments dominated, with fans expressing pride in Lee’s heritage and her ability to handle pressure on the biggest stage. Top comments included, “Minjee Lee is a true champion—her mental strength is next level!” and “So proud to see a Korean-Australian at the top of the LPGA.” Some users discussed the importance of analytics and the record prize money, while a minority voiced concerns about Korean players missing out on the top spot. Overall, the sentiment was overwhelmingly positive, reflecting the pride and excitement Lee’s win brought to the Korean diaspora and golf fans worldwide.

Cultural Insight: The Global Rise of Korean and Korean-Australian Golfers

For international fans, it’s important to understand the cultural significance of Minjee Lee’s win. As a Korean-Australian, Lee represents a new generation of global athletes who bridge cultures and inspire fans across continents. Her success is a testament to the strength of Korean golf development programs and the supportive communities in both Australia and Korea. The pride felt by Korean fans extends beyond national borders, celebrating the achievements of diaspora athletes who carry their heritage onto the world stage. Lee’s journey—from Perth to the pinnacle of women’s golf—serves as an inspiration for young golfers everywhere.

What’s Next: The Future of Women’s Golf

With 16 different champions in 16 LPGA events so far this season, the women’s game has never been more competitive or unpredictable. Minjee Lee’s victory is a reminder of the mental and physical demands required to win at the highest level. As prize money grows and analytics become more integral, expect even fiercer battles for major titles in the coming years. For fans, the 2025 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship will be remembered as a turning point—a showcase of talent, resilience, and the global appeal of women’s golf.