Golf star Min Woo Lee has been praised for an incredible act of sportsmanship towards teeing partner Gary Woodland on their final hole at the Texas Children's Houston Open.
Woodland won the tournament with a final score of 21-under-par to secure his first PGA Tour victory in nearly seven years, dating back to the 2019 US Open.
The 41-year-old was well clear of the field heading into the final number of holes, and ultimately completed a five-shot victory with a four-shot par on the 18th.
It was an extremely emotional moment for Woodland, who underwent surgery to remove a brain tumour in September 2023.
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He revealed earlier this month that, following his return to the PGA Tour in 2024, he had been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The 41-year-old hadn't had any particular success back on the tour since his return - though simply being back playing professional golf is enough of an achievement in itself - but victory in Texas means he will receive an invitation to compete in the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National from April 8.
Heading up to the green at the 18th, Min Woo Lee purposely hung back and threw his arms up into the air to raise the crowd to their feet in applause of Woodland.
Woodland soaked up the rapturous acclaim and appeared to be visibly emotional as he walked towards the green.
Lee and Denmark's Nicolas Hojgaard, who was in the same playing group, admitted after the final round that they had both agreed to stand back to allow Woodland to have his moment in Houston.
"We talked about it. We thought it was appropriate to make him have his moment," Hojgaard said.
"It was a pretty cool moment for Gary and it was cool to see. I'm really happy for him."
Lee, meanwhile, wrote on Twitter: "One of the best stories in golf. Happy to be apart of it today. Congrats Gary."
Woodland reacts to first PGA Tour win since 2019
Woodland was understandably emotional in the immediate aftermath of his victory given what he has been through in the past three years, and explained exactly what it meant to him.
"I tell you what, we play in an individual sport out here. But I wasn't alone today," he told NBC Sports. "I've got a lot of people behind me. My team, my family in this golf world.
"Anybody that's struggling with something, I hope they see me and don't give up. Just keep fighting.
"It's just another day, right, that I've got to keep healing. Today was a good day, but I've got to keep fighting. I've got a big fight ahead of me, and I'm going to keep going. But I'm proud of myself right now."
In a message to his family, he said: "Thank you. I wouldn't be anywhere, before this, without them.
"There's no chance I could this without Gabby [his wife], for sure. She's... this has been hard on me, it's been a lot harder on her. I love her to death."
"My game is better than it's ever been," he continued. "I love them [my team] to death."
Topics:Ā Golf, United States
Ryan Smart