Aussie golf star Minjee Lee has captured the US Women’s Open with a huge four-shot win to receive a record AU$2.5 million payday.
Lee becomes just the third Australian to win the US Women’s Open, converting a three-stroke, 54-hole lead in an absolute clinic.
It is the second major title of her career after winning the Evian Championship in 2021.
It also signals the biggest individual money prize in women’s golf so far, with Lee taking home AU$2.5 million (US$1.8m) after the purse doubled for this year following sponsor ProMedica jumping on board.
Lee sunk two back-to-back birdies in her first two holes to really set up the final day in North Carolina, eventually stretching her lead out to five shots.
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She finished the major at 14-under 271, which is the lowest strokes total in tournament history, surpassing Juli Inkster’s 1999 score by one shot.
Fans praised Lee for the calm and collected nature as she headed into the backend of the round.
One fan tweeted: “Usually when someone has a big lead in a major, you can feel the kind of pressure they’re under to close it out and not blow it.
“Getting absolutely none of that feeling from Minjee Lee. A nearly flawless performance made to look routine.”
Such a dominating performance and a sign of things to come for the Australian.
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It also marks 21 years since the last Australian woman claimed the title, with Karrie Webb going back-to-back in 2001.
After the round, she told reporters: “I’m speechless, I can’t believe it right now.
“It’s just super, super special and such a great honour. It’s been my dream since I was a little girl, it’s the one that I’ve always wanted to win.
“Now I’ve done it and it just feels amazing.”
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The record payday will certainly be a bonus for the Australian, who was asked about taking home the cash.
She added: “It’s such a large sum and I’m really honoured to be the first winner of it.”
Lee was congratulated by the reigning Scottish Open champion and her brother Min Woo.
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He tweeted: “This one hits hard. Tears in my eyes. So so proud. Just a kid from Perth. Two major wins to her name now.
“Inspiring.”
Lee is only the sixth Australian to win multiple majors with Karrie Webb, Jan Stephenson, Peter Thomson, David Graham, and Greg Norman preceding her.
Jayden Collins