Min Woo Lee Claims First PGA TOUR Victory at Texas ChildreNS OPEN
Min Woo Lee triumphed at the Texas Children's Houston Open, securing his first PGA TOUR title with a remarkable performance that showcased his resilience and skill. The 26-year-old golfer finished the tournament with a record-breaking score of 20-under 260, edging out competitors Scottie Scheffler and Gary Woodland by just one stroke.
Key Takeaways
Min Woo Lee won his first PGA TOUR title at the Texas Children's Houston Open.
He finished with a record score of 20-under 260, breaking the tournament record by four shots.
Scottie Scheffler and Gary Woodland tied for second place, both finishing at 19-under.
Lee's victory was marked by a crucial par on the final hole after a tense finish.
A Historic Win
Lee's journey to victory was not without its challenges. He started the final round with a comfortable lead but faced intense pressure from
Scheffler and Woodland, who both made significant moves on the leaderboard. Lee's calm demeanor was evident as he navigated the final holes, especially after a costly mistake on the par-5 16th, where he found the water and made a bogey.
Despite this setback, Lee managed to maintain his composure. His 55-foot putt on the 18th hole left him with a simple tap-in for par, sealing his victory. "It's hard — it's really hard," Lee reflected after the win. "Obviously, Scottie is a wonderful golfer and he keeps you on your toes. I'm so proud of how I handled myself."
The Final Round Drama
The final round was filled with excitement as the leaderboard shifted dramatically:
Min Woo Lee - 20-under 260
Gary Woodland - 19-under 261 (tied)
Scottie Scheffler - 19-under 261 (tied)
Sami Valimaki - 17-under 263
Rory McIlroy - 15-under 265 (tied)
Woodland's impressive finish included a course-record tying 62, while Scheffler's strong performance featured four consecutive birdies that brought him within striking distance of Lee. However, both players fell just short, unable to capitalize on Lee's late mistake.
Looking Ahead
This victory not only marks a significant milestone for Lee but also positions him well for the upcoming PGA TOUR events. As he prepares for the Masters, Lee's confidence is sure to be at an all-time high. His sister, Minjee Lee, a major champion on the LPGA Tour, has been a source of inspiration for him, and now he joins her in the ranks of professional golf winners.
Lee's win at the Texas Children's Houston Open is a testament to his talent and determination, and it sets the stage for what could be a breakout year on the PGA TOUR. As he continues to develop his
game, fans and fellow competitors alike will be watching closely to see how far he can go in the world of professional golf.
Sources
Matt Ryan PGA TOUR Results, PGA Tour.
Scottie Scheffler PGA TOUR Results, PGA Tour.
Scottie Scheffler takes Houston Open lead with course-record 62, Golf.com.