Minjee Lee Crowned Champion at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship
Minjee Lee sealed her third Grand Slam title by winning the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. Despite a final round with 74 strokes, Lee remained calm and secured the victory.
Lee, who started the day with a four-stroke lead over Jeeno Thitikul, finished the tournament with a total of 4 under par, 284 strokes. She beat Auston Kim and Chanettee Wannasaen by three strokes, the only players who managed to finish under par.
Kim and Wannasaen shone with rounds of 68 strokes, matching the best of the day and the tournament. Kim, without bogeys during his game, remained firm despite consecutive birdies in the first part of the course.
With a record prize of $12 million, Lee took home 1.8 million, repeating the figure she obtained at the 2022 U.S. Women’s Open.
This victory represents Lee’s eleventh career triumph and the first of the season, adding to the 16 tournament winners of the LPGA so far this year.Minjee Lee celebrates her victory at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, her third major title. She won by four strokes in a tournament where only three golfers finished under par.The weather conditions, with constant winds of 15-20 mph, were less extreme than on Saturday, which made the game easier.
Thitikul, seeking her first major title, led the first two rounds, but a round of 76 on Saturday set her back. In the final round, Thitikul finished with 75 strokes and a total of 289, tied for fourth place.
Lee maintained his lead with a crucial 8-foot putt on the 13th hole. Wannasaen, for his part, made an eagle on the 15th hole, although he then made a bogey on the 16th.
Lee reacted with a birdie on the 14th hole and another on the 15th, demonstrating her dominance. She was the only player with two rounds in the 60s, with 69 strokes on Thursday and Saturday.
Kim, who started the final round nine strokes behind, showed a remarkable comeback. He started with a birdie and got within two strokes of Lee after several consecutive birdies. He finished with nine consecutive pars.
Nelly Korda and Lexi Thompson finished with 76 strokes. Thompson tied for 12th place and Korda for 19th.
