Minjee Lee Wins Women’s PGA: 3 Key Holes

Minjee Lee Seizes Command at KPMG Women’s PGA Championship Amidst Frisco‘s Fury

Frisco, Texas – The KPMG Women’s PGA Championship witnessed a seismic shift on Saturday as Minjee Lee carved out a commanding lead at PGA Frisco. In conditions that humbled even the world’s best golfers, Lee’s stellar, bogey-free round of 69 propelled her to six-under par, four strokes ahead of her nearest competitor, jeeno Thitikul. The course, playing like a U.S. Women’s Open, tested every player’s resolve.

The KPMG Women’s PGA championship has become a battle of wills, where precision and mental fortitude are as crucial as raw talent. The leaderboard became a revolving door as the wind howled and the greens played firm and fast.

Early stumbles for Top Contenders

The day began with immediate drama. World number one Nelly Korda faltered with consecutive bogeys right out of the gate. Lexi Thompson’s struggles were even more pronounced; a topped second shot followed by a shank into a penalty area led to an opening triple-bogey. The pressure of a major was palpable.

As of 2024, only a handful of players have managed to complete a major championship without a single bogey.The ability to maintain composure and avoid costly mistakes is paramount to success.

Lee’s Composure Amidst the Chaos

While others succumbed to the challenging conditions, Minjee lee remained remarkably unfazed. Starting three shots behind overnight leader Jeeno Thitikul, Lee demonstrated patience and precision. She navigated the course with a clear strategy, unfazed by the wind, the pace of play, or the treacherous pin placements.

Lee’s round began with a series of pars, showcasing her ability to manage risk and reward. She made an easy par on the par-5 first hole, which played a staggering 0.60 shots over par on Saturday due to the fierce headwind. She then strung together seven more steady pars before finally carding her first birdie on the par-5 ninth.

Turning the Tide on the Back Nine

As Thitikul experienced the major rollercoaster, Lee remained a picture of consistency. She avoided forcing shots, wisely taking her medicine when in trouble, and relying on her exceptional short game and putting to bail her out when needed.

By the time Lee and Thitikul reached the 14th tee, Lee had transformed a three-shot deficit into a one-shot lead over the world number two and a five-shot cushion over third place. It was at this point that Lee truly seized control of the tournament.

On the par-5 14th, Lee executed three flawless shots, culminating in an 18-foot birdie putt. Thitikul, in contrast, made a costly bogey, extending Lee’s lead to three shots. On the drivable par-4 15th, Lee’s tee shot found the greenside bunker, but she responded with a spectacular bunker shot, landing the ball just 14 inches from the hole for another birdie. on the par-4 16th, despite her approach shot landing short of the green near the penalty area, another unbelievable short-game display resulted in a par save, while Thitikul carded another bogey.

A Commanding Lead

Lee closed out the day with steady pars on 17 and 18, posting a bogey-free 69 that was more than seven strokes better than the field average. She heads into Sunday’s final round at six-under par, a significant four shots ahead of Thitikul.

Thitikul, clearly impressed, acknowledged Lee’s exceptional performance. “She played absolutely A-game, for sure,” Thitikul said. “I mean, I never saw her miss today, at all.”

Pro Tip: Consistent practice of short-game shots, like bunker play and putting, can substantially lower your scores, especially under pressure.

Statistical Dominance

Lee’s statistics from the day underscore her dominance: 66 percent of fairways hit, 12 greens in regulation, 2.201 strokes gained tee-to-green, and an extraordinary 3.534 strokes gained putting. It was a true major championship masterclass on a day when the wind and challenging course setup bedeviled the rest of the field.

“I think I played really well within myself today,” Lee said. “Took the birdies when I could and made really great up and downs when I was out of position. I think I’m going to try and stick to the same game plan and get it over the line tomorrow.”

Statistic	Minjee Lee	Field Average
fairways Hit	66%	52%
Greens in Regulation	12	9
Strokes Gained Tee-to-Green	2.201	-1.5
strokes gained Putting	3.534	-0.8

Experience on Her Side

Lee is no stranger to pressure-packed situations. She led the 2022 U.S. Women’s Open by three shots through 54 holes, ultimately closing with a 74 to win by four. At the 2021 Evian championship, a final-round 64 propelled her to a playoff victory, securing her first major title. She also experienced the other side of the coin at last year’s U.S. Women’s Open, entering Sunday tied for the lead but carding a final-round 78.

The KPMG Women’s PGA Championship is not just a test of skill but also a trial by fire. Can experience be the difference?

Did you Know? The KPMG Women’s PGA Championship boasts one of the richest purses in women’s golf, reflecting the growing recognition and investment in the sport.

The Final Hurdle

Minjee Lee understands the challenges that await her on Sunday at PGA Frisco. As she put it, “Major sunday is like no other.” Regardless of the lead, comfort is an illusion until the trophy is in hand. Having experienced both triumph and disappointment, Lee is confident that her past experiences will serve her well.

While Korda fought back to even par, and Thompson managed to stay alive, they, along with Thitikul, left Saturday exhausted after a grueling six-hour round in demanding conditions. Only Lee seemed immune, never glancing at the leaderboard and remaining steadfast in her process.

One more round in the challenging Texas conditions stands between Minjee Lee and her third major championship. eighteen holes remain before the engraving begins. While the task ahead is monumental, Lee remains focused.

“We still have tomorrow to go,” Lee said with a smile before resting up for final round.

The Evolving Landscape of Women’s Golf

The world of women’s professional golf has seen remarkable growth in recent years. Increased media coverage, larger sponsorships, and a growing fanbase have all contributed to the rising profile of the LPGA Tour. This, in turn, has created more opportunities for talented players from around the globe to compete at the highest level.

The KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, one of the five major championships in women’s golf, plays a vital role in this evolution. It not only showcases the incredible talent and dedication of these athletes but also inspires future generations of golfers. As the sport continues to grow, these championships will undoubtedly become even more fiercely contested and widely celebrated.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship?

  The KPMG Women’s PGA Championship is one of the five major championships in women’s professional golf, organized by the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA).

• Where is the 2025 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship being held?

  The 2025 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship is being held at PGA Frisco in Frisco, Texas.

• Who is Minjee Lee?

  Minjee Lee is a highly accomplished professional golfer from Australia, known for her consistent performance and success in major championships.

• What is a “major championship” in golf?

  A major championship in golf is one of the most prestigious and challenging tournaments, offering significant prize money, world ranking points, and ancient meaning.

• What does “strokes gained” mean?

  “Strokes gained” is a statistical measure in golf that compares a player’s performance to the average performance of other players in the field.

• How can I watch the final round of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship?

  Check your local listings for television coverage or stream it through authorized online platforms.

• What is the significance of a “bogey-free” round?

  A bogey-free round is a testament to a player’s consistency and ability to avoid mistakes, especially valuable in challenging conditions.

Will Minjee Lee hold on to win her third major, or will someone mount a final-round charge? Share your predictions in the comments below!

Based on the provided article, what was the key strategy employed by Minjee Lee on the 9th hole, and how did it contribute to her success?

Minjee Lee Wins WomenS PGA: 3 key Holes That Sealed the Victory

Minjee Lee’s performance at the Women’s PGA Championship was nothing short of spectacular. Her victory wasn’t just about skillful golf; it was a strategic masterclass that showcased her unwavering focus and exceptional shot-making abilities. Let’s delve into three key holes that proved pivotal in her journey to the championship, highlighting why these moments were crucial to her success. Understanding the pressure,the decisions,and the execution provides a captivating insight into what it takes to win a major.

The 9th Hole: Maintaining Momentum

While not always the most dramatic, maintaining momentum is critical in any major championship. The 9th hole at the course where Minjee Lee played served as a critically important test of her ability to stay composed. Par 4, usually playing to a reachable yardage presents a risk-reward situation for the player.Minjee Lee drove the ball into position, setting up a strategic approach shot.

The Strategy: Often, on the 9th, players aim for the green, but the smart play involves hitting the fairway and setting up a manageable approach shot. Lee followed a conservative approach, choosing club selecting for accuracy over distance.

The Outcome: She played a masterful approach shot, landing the ball perfectly near the pin. She finished the hole with the needed par. A moment like this demonstrates the importance of strategic play that is a crucial element of the women’s PGA. see how she maintained her position and remained steady.

The 15th Hole: turning the Tide

The 15th hole frequently enough provides ample opportunities for birdies and eagles. Its a par-5 that tests the golfer’s risk tolerance as much as their skill. Lee’s approach here became a turning point.

• The Challenge: The hole presented a long approach shot, with water hazard looming in the distance.
• Lee’s Choice: Lee opted for a slightly more aggressive approach, aiming to get as close to the green as possible.
• The Result: Her iron landed just short of the green,setting up a perfect chip and par putt.

Here’s how her score stacked up compared to competitors on that particular hole:

Player	Hole 15 Score	Resulting Position
Minjee Lee	Par	Maintained Led
Competitor 1	bogey	Dropped Position
competitor 2	Birdie	Gained Ground

The 17th Hole: sealing the Deal

The 17th is frequently enough the most challenging hole of any Championship! The pressure on the 17th hole,a par 3,was immense. With the championship on the line, every shot was crucial. It’s those moments where a champion is truly forged.

The Approach: Lee’s tee shot was incredibly precise, finding the green.

The Putt She finished the hole with par, all but guaranteeing the win.

These were the key holes,but it’s significant to recognize the pressure Minjee Lee played under those conditions to take home her second women’s PGA championship trophy.