As the final round of the 2025 Texas Children's Houston Open unfolds, all eyes are on Min Woo Lee, who holds a commanding four-shot lead heading into Sunday. The 26-year-old Australian golfer, known for his charismatic personality and impressive swing, is on the brink of securing his first PGA Tour victory, having already claimed three titles on the DP World Tour. Lee's stellar performance has garnered him a significant following on social media, with fans eagerly chanting "Let him cook" as he showcases his skills on the course.
Lee's journey to the top of the leaderboard has been nothing short of remarkable. After a solid start at the Players Championship two weeks ago, where he co-led after 36 holes but faltered over the weekend, Lee has rebounded impressively. He delivered a career-best seven-under 63 on Saturday, propelling his total to an astonishing 17-under 193, marking the best 54-hole score in Houston Open history. This score also places him just one shot shy of the best 54-hole total recorded so far in the 2025 season.
As Min Woo Lee looks to close out the tournament, Alejandro Tosti from Argentina is his closest competitor, sitting at 13 under. Tosti, along with Ryan Fox and Ryan Gerard, who are tied for third at 12 under, are all in pursuit of their first PGA Tour titles. However, the world number one, Scottie Scheffler, is lurking five shots back, hoping to capitalize on any mistakes from Lee as he prepares to defend his Masters title next week.
In the early stages of the final round, Lee's performance has been steady. After a rocky start on the 8th hole, where he had to take an unplayable from a bush, he managed to maintain his composure, finishing the hole with a par. As he headed to the 9th hole, he executed a fantastic approach shot that solidified his three-shot lead with just nine holes to play.
Meanwhile, Gary Woodland has been making a charge of his own, moving to four under through nine holes and narrowing the gap to three shots behind Lee. Woodland's consistent play has kept him in the mix, and fans are eager to see if he can pull off a dramatic comeback. Rory McIlroy, who opened the tournament with an even-par round on Thursday, has also been on a tear. After birdieing the par-4 10th hole, McIlroy is now just four shots off the lead at 14 under, showcasing the potential for an exciting finish.
As the round continues, the tension builds. Sami Valimaki has also been impressive, sitting at eight under through 16 holes and just two shots back from Lee. If he can maintain his momentum, he could tie the course record with a strong finish. With so many players vying for the top spot, the excitement is palpable, and each hole brings new possibilities.
As Lee approaches the back nine, he has a five-shot cushion, a significant advantage considering the statistics. According to golf analyst Justin Ray, over the last decade, 80.6 percent of players who have led by four shots after 54 holes have gone on to win the tournament. Lee is keenly aware of this statistic and is determined to join that elite group.
The overall purse for the Houston Open is a staggering $9.5 million, with the winner set to take home $1.71 million. This lucrative prize adds another layer of excitement for the players, motivating them to put forth their best efforts on the course. As the day progresses, fans are eagerly following the leaderboard updates, hoping to see a thrilling finish.
With tee times set for the final round, the anticipation builds. The first group will tee off at 11:00 a.m., featuring Lee Hodges, Rico Hoey, and Emiliano Grillo, with Min Woo Lee himself slated to start at 1:01 p.m. alongside Alejandro Tosti and Ryan Fox. Fans can catch the action live on various platforms, including PGA Tour Live on ESPN+, SiriusXM PGA Tour radio, and NBC.
As the final round of the Texas Children's Houston Open unfolds, the golfing world is captivated by the potential for history to be made. Will Min Woo Lee secure his first PGA Tour victory, or will one of his challengers rise to the occasion? The stage is set for an unforgettable conclusion to this thrilling tournament.
In summary, the 2025 Texas Children's Houston Open is shaping up to be a classic showdown, with Min Woo Lee leading the charge and a talented field of golfers hot on his heels. With the final round still in progress, fans are left on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the outcome of this exciting event.
