Minjee Lee recently celebrated a significant victory by winning her third major championship at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship held at Fields Ranch East at PGA Frisco. This triumph helped to dispel uncertainties that lingered since her challenging experience at the 2024 Women’s U.S. Open, serving as a validation for her commitment to using a long putter.
Looking ahead after her major win, Lee expressed her focus on the Amundi Evian Championship, the next big event in her schedule. Competing at the Evian Resort Golf Club in France, she started strong with an opening-round score of 5-under 66, positioning herself well in the tournament. Despite facing early setbacks in Round 2, where she recorded three bogeys and a double-bogey in her first six holes, Lee bounced back impressively, playing the remaining holes in 5 under par.
On Saturday, she showcased her talent and determination, registering a bogey-free 66 to finish at 10 under, just one shot shy of the leaders, Cara Gainer and Gabi Ruffels. Lee noted that her victory at KPMG has sparked a renewed mindset and motivation as she aims for another major. “I definitely feel like I have a different mentality and maybe a little bit different fire in me after KPMG,” she said, expressing confidence in her position for the upcoming rounds.
Lee’s experience at Evian is notable; she previously claimed her first major here in 2021, overcoming a seven-shot deficit in the final round to win in a playoff. This Sunday, she faces the challenge of competing against world No. 2 Jeeno Thitikul, who is also tied with Lee at 10 under. Thitikul, still searching for her first major championship, aims to leverage her growing experience from past majors to excel this time around.
The anticipation for the final round is high, with both players determined to chase birdies and contend for the championship. Lee’s impressive journey post-KPMG reflects her adaptability and competitive drive, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the Evian Championship. With her sights set on back-to-back majors, Lee is on the cusp of joining an elite group of players who have reached the four-major mark, a feat not accomplished since Inbee Park did so over a decade ago.