Min Woo Lee repelled the likes of Scottie Scheffler and Gary Woodland to claim a first victory on the PGA TOUR in a thrilling Texas Children’s Houston Open.
The Australian came into the final round at the Memorial Park Golf Course with a four-shot cushion at the top of the leaderboard which he extended to five on the back nine thanks to three birdies in five holes. However, the 26-year-old found himself under pressure after he found water on the par-5 16th which led to a bogey which the likes of Scheffler and fellow American Woodland took advantage of with both setting a new clubhouse lead to slice Lee’s lead down to just a single shot. However, Lee held his nerve with back-to-back pars in his final two holes to record a three-under 67, finish on 20 under, and claim a famous maiden PGA TOUR triumph.
“I had a lot of eyes on me obviously,” said Lee said following the win. “It was one of those where I think just everything aligned this week.
“It’s hard, really hard. Scottie is a wonderful golfer and he keeps you on your toes. This is my first time being in front and trying to hold a lead. I’m glad I got it done, but man, I’m just very exhausted.
“It was a lot of mental grind. I’m so proud of the way I handled myself.”
Scheffler, who has yet to win on the PGA TOUR in 2025, had the opportunity to claim a share of the lead on the 17th after recording four consecutive birdies from the 13th but the two-time major winner missed his birdie putt on his way to ending the event on 19 under with a final-round 63. He was joined in second alongside Woodland, who also produced a strong finish thanks to an eagle and two birdies in his final four holes.
Rory McIlroy, who produced a slow start in the opening round, rallied by the final round to salvage a respectable T5 finish on 15 under before revealing he had been suffering from a minor problem throughout the event.
Speaking to the Golf Channel, the Northern Irishman said: “My right elbow has been bothering me a little bit so I’ll maybe just get some treatment on that and make sure that is OK going into Augusta.
“I’ve got my coach Michael Bannon coming in tomorrow [Monday], we’ll do some work and make sure everything is in good shape for a week’s time.”
What is the next event?
The next event on the PGA TOUR schedule is the Valero Texas Open taking place between 3-6 April at TPC San Antonio’s Oaks Course in Texas.