The Chef Cooks Up a Victory
Min Woo Lee Serves First PGA TOUR Win at the Houston Open
Seoul, Korea - Amidst the cheers and high stakes of the Texas Children's Houston Open, Min Woo Lee, famously nicknamed 'The Chef', showcased his skills not in the kitchen but on the greens, securing his very first PGA TOUR victory. His winning formula? A spectacular mix of precision and grace under pressure, resulting in a one-stroke triumph that was as thrilling as it was decisive.
Australian prodigy Min Woo Lee, at a youthful 26, has not only claimed his maiden PGA TOUR victory but also shattered records along the way. His staggering final score of 260, twenty-under par, now stands as the lowest in the history of the Houston Open, surpassing Tony Finau's previous record by four strokes. Lee's landmark victory at the Memorial Park Golf Course, a course he was playing for the first time competitively, mirrors the triumphant debut of Paul Casey back in 2009. The win catapulted him from 60th to 16th in the FedExCup standings, marking a career-high.
Gary Woodland, a resilient figure in the sport, marked his comeback with a runner-up finish. After a challenging period that included surgery to remove a brain lesion in 2023, Woodland's performance, highlighted by a final-round 62—his lowest score since 2018—proved his enduring prowess and determination. This finish is his best since clinching the 2019 U.S. Open, signaling a return to form for the four-time PGA TOUR winner.
Scottie Scheffler, the world's number one, continued to display his formidable consistency, earning his third runner-up finish at the Houston Open. This season has been promising for Scheffler, with top-ten finishes that underscore his status at the pinnacle of the sport.
The tournament also spotlighted strong performances from APAC players like Rico Hoey and Ryan Fox, both finishing notably in the top 20. Their achievements are vital as players from the Asia-Pacific region make significant inroads on the global golfing stage.
This season, with nine of fourteen events already claimed by international players, the global appeal and competitive nature of the PGA TOUR are more pronounced than ever. Players like Lee are not merely participants; they are making emphatic statements with record-breaking performances.
As the PGA TOUR progresses, all eyes will be on these emerging talents to see if they can sustain their momentum. The Houston Open has once again served as a proving ground for emerging stars and seasoned professionals alike, setting the stage for an enthralling PGA TOUR season.