Min Woo Lee has officially arrived on the PGA Tour scene, capturing his first victory at the 2025 Texas Children’s Houston Open. The 26-year-old Australian golfer, who had previously been on the cusp of a win at the Players Championship just weeks earlier, managed to hold off fierce competition from world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and Gary Woodland to clinch the title by a single stroke.
Lee entered the final round on Sunday, March 30, 2025, with a commanding four-shot lead at Memorial Park Golf Course. He shot a solid 3-under 67 in the final round, finishing the tournament with a record-setting score of 20-under par 260, which marked a new Houston Open scoring record in relation to par.
Despite his earlier dominance, Lee faced pressure when he bogeyed the par-5 16th hole, reducing his lead to just one shot with two holes to play. However, he managed to maintain his composure, edging out Scheffler, who fired a dazzling 63 in the final round, and Woodland, who shot a 62. Lee’s ability to withstand the pressure is a testament to his growth as a player.
Reflecting on his journey, Lee said, "Today I did an amazing job, didn’t [get ahead of myself]. It was a very good learning curve the last PLAYERS just a few weeks ago being in the lead and just, I don’t know, felt like I wasn’t myself. Yeah, I just had to — you know, I want to be in this situation more and more, so I had to really look into it myself and just keep my head down really and try and hit one shot at a time." His focus on the process rather than the outcome clearly paid off, allowing him to secure his victory.
The Texas Children’s Houston Open featured a total purse of $9.5 million, with Lee taking home a substantial $1,710,000 for his efforts. Scheffler and Woodland each earned $845,500 for their tied second-place finishes, while Sami Valimaki secured fourth place with a score of 17-under par, earning $465,500.
In addition to the financial rewards, Lee’s victory is a significant milestone in his career. Having previously not closed out tournaments on the PGA Tour despite being in contention, this win signifies a turning point for the young golfer. Lee has three DP World Tour wins under his belt, but this is his first on the PGA Tour, marking a new chapter in his professional journey.
The final leaderboard showcased the fierce competition at Memorial Park:
- 1. Min Woo Lee -20 (66, 64, 63, 63)
- T2. Gary Woodland -19 (69, 64, 66, 62)
- T2. Scottie Scheffler -19 (67, 62, 69, 63)
- 4. Sami Valimaki -17 (70, 67, 64, 62)
- T5. Rory McIlroy -15 (70, 66, 65, 64)
- T5. Taylor Pendrith -15 (65, 65, 70, 65)
- T5. Wyndham Clark -15 (69, 68, 64, 64)
- T8. Ryan Gerard -14 (65, 65, 68, 68)
- T8. Alejandro Tosti -14 (65, 67, 65, 65)
- 10. Mackenzie Hughes -13 (69, 66, 66, 66)
As the tournament concluded, the excitement surrounding Lee’s victory was palpable. His performance not only showcased his talent but also his resilience in overcoming the challenges of a high-pressure final round. With this win, Lee has set the stage for what could be a breakout year on the PGA Tour.
Looking ahead, fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how Lee’s newfound confidence translates into future tournaments. As he continues to hone his skills and gain experience, there’s no telling how far he can go in the world of professional golf.
In the end, Min Woo Lee’s triumph at the Texas Children’s Houston Open is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports and the incredible stories that unfold on the golf course. With his first PGA Tour victory now in the books, Lee is poised to make waves in the golfing world, and fans will undoubtedly be watching closely as his journey continues.
