Charley Hull lead the British effort finishing in a tie for 12th spot
Australian Minjee Lee returned to the winner’s circle on Sunday with a poised and disciplined performance at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, capturing her third career major title. The 29-year-old held off a spirited charge from up-and-coming talents Auston Kim (USA) and Chanettee Wannasaen (Thailand) to win by three shots at Fields Ranch East.
It was Lee’s first LPGA Tour victory since October 2023, and she delivered it with the steadiness that has defined her career—making three birdies and five bogeys in challenging, windy conditions to close with a 2-over 74.
Commanding from the Start
Lee entered the final round with a four-shot lead at 6-under par and quickly extended her advantage after Jeeno Thitikul, her closest challenger, bogeyed the opening hole. Though Lee stumbled with bogeys on the 3rd, 5th, and 6th, she maintained her cushion as others struggled to capitalize.
Auston Kim, a graduate of the Epson Tour, made the biggest move early, stringing together birdies on the 7th, 8th, and 9th holes to jump into contention. Thailand’s Chanettee Wannasaen surged late with an eagle at the drivable par-4 15th and a final-round 68—matching the lowest round of the week.
Even as her lead narrowed, Lee responded with calm efficiency. She holed a vital par putt on the 13th, then birdied 14 and 15 to extend her advantage. A bogey on 16 briefly opened the door, but two closing pars sealed the championship with a final total of 4-under par.
Charley Hull Leads British Effort
Among the British contingent, Charley Hull delivered the standout performance of the week. The 28-year-old finished tied for 12th at 5-over par after posting a final-round 73. Despite tough conditions and slow pace of play, Hull stayed resilient and remains a consistent contender in major championships today. Ireland’s Leona Maguire finished in 19th spot.
An Australian Milestone
With the victory, Lee joins an elite group of Australian women to have won the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, following in the footsteps of Hannah Green (2019), Jan Stephenson (1982), and Karrie Webb (2001). She also becomes just the third Australian woman with three or more major titles, alongside Hall of Famers Webb and Stephenson.
“It feels pretty amazing,” Lee said afterward. “I feel like I really deserve this one. I put a lot of hard work into it. I feel really good.”
For Lee, the win was particularly meaningful as it came just outside her adopted hometown of Dallas. Lee savored the moment on the 18th green, joined by Green and fellow pros for a celebratory champagne spray.
“All of them are such great golfers, great careers,” she said, reflecting on the Australian champions before her. “To have my name up with them is pretty cool.”
New Faces Rising
Although Lee claimed the trophy, the final round also highlighted a changing of the guard on the LPGA Tour. Kim and Wannasaen achieved career-best major finishes, tying for second place at 1-under par in an impressive showing.
“Feeling pretty good,” said Kim. “The result was really good, but I’m especially proud of how I handled the emotions and the adversity. It was a tough week mentally.”
Thitikul, who had challenged early, faded with a 3-over 75 on Sunday to finish tied for fourth. Japan’s Chisato Iwai matched that result, while Angel Yin and Miyu Yamashita rounded out the top six.
Defending champion Amy Yang missed the cut.
