Minjee Lee’s journey in golf has been filled with highs and lows, making her experiences unique and relatable. She achieved her first major championship win at the 2021 Evian Championship, coming from behind in an intense playoff. Less than a year later, she set a record-breaking victory at the 2022 U.S. Women’s Open. However, her title defense at the Evian Championship ended with a disappointing 43rd place finish, combined with concerns about exhaustion and frustrating finishes in other tournaments.
Currently ranked sixth in the world, Lee, a talented 27-year-old Australian golfer, faces the challenge of defending her Open title at the prestigious Pebble Beach Golf Links in California. As the tournament approaches, Lee reflects on her iron play, the challenges of Pebble Beach, the evolution of women’s golf, and the difficulty of winning a major championship.
In a recent interview at T.P.C. Harding Park, Lee explains her consistent performance in majors, attributing it to continuous improvement in her game both mentally and physically. Each day, she strives to become slightly better, putting in countless hours of practice and effort. Her ability to avoid missing a major cut since 2019 demonstrates her dedication and consistency over time.
Winning the Evian Championship in 2021 was a significant milestone for Lee. It brought relief, as there had been much speculation about when she would win her first major, although these comments were never made directly to her. The victory proved to herself and others that she had the potential to win at that level. The confidence from this win influenced her performance in the following year, reinforcing her goals and ambitions.
However, Lee acknowledges the challenges of defending a championship, as she experienced at the Evian Championship. It requires juggling media commitments, extra practice rounds, and starting from scratch on a new course. Unlike Evian, where she was already familiar with the course, Pebble Beach presents a different set of obstacles. The U.S. Open holds a special place in her heart, and being the defending champion adds excitement and pressure to the tournament.
Pebble Beach’s windy conditions remind Lee of her Australian upbringing and current residence in Texas, where she has grown accustomed to playing in the wind. She enjoys the test of skill that the wind provides, using her creativity to adapt to the changing conditions. Playing in the wind separates the skilled players from the rest and adds an element of fun to the game for Lee.
Known for her exceptional iron play, Lee reveals that she never specifically focused on improving her iron shots. Last year, her iron play naturally improved, setting her apart from other players. Currently, she dedicates more time to other areas of her game that would benefit the most from additional practice.
Despite not paying much attention to statistics, Lee acknowledges her achievements in setting the Open scoring record and earning the highest payout in women’s golf history. While she believes she should give herself more credit for these accomplishments, she prefers to focus on her work on and off the golf course.
This year has presented its challenges for Lee, as she had an extended break from competition and made changes with her caddie. Taking time for herself and gaining a better understanding of her needs on the course has been a valuable learning experience. Now, she is more confident and appreciates having a caddie who understands her well and can be a supportive presence.
The U.S. Women’s Open at Pebble Beach holds significant importance for women’s golf. Lee appreciates the opportunity to play at these renowned courses, such as Pebble Beach and the recently hosted Muirfield, where women were not allowed to be members until 2017. She is grateful for the progress made in showcasing women’s golf at prestigious venues, thanks to the efforts of tours, organizations, and sponsors. Lee believes the future of women’s golf looks promising, with even better opportunities on the horizon.
In conclusion, Minjee Lee’s journey in golf has been a mix of triumphs and challenges, making her a resilient and talented player. She is ready to defend her title at the U.S. Women’s Open, embracing the difficulties that come with it. With her skill, determination, and love for the game, Lee is poised for continued success and a bright future in golf.
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