March 31, (THEWILL) – Australian golfer Min Woo Lee captured his first PGA Tour title at the Houston Open, finishing at 20-under-par to edge world number one Scottie
Scheffler and Gary Woodland by a single stroke. Lee maintained composure despite a late challenge from the field, converting what began as a comfortable four-shot advantage into a nerve-testing conclusion on Sunday afternoon.
“Scottie is a wonderful golfer and he keeps you on your toes.
“This was my first time being in front trying to hold a lead and I am glad I got it done. I am very exhausted. It was a lot of mental grind and I am so proud of the way I handled myself,” Lee told NBC following his victory.
The final round drama intensified when Lee found water on the 16th hole, ending his bogey-free streak at 41 holes.
This error, combined with Scheffler making a birdie on the same hole, suddenly reduced Lee’s lead to a single stroke with two holes remaining.
Woodland, who shot a course record-tying 62 on Sunday, also applied pressure by reaching 19-under-par.
Lee managed to maintain his slim margin through the final two holes, culminating in a tap-in par on the 18th to seal his round of 67 and the tournament victory.
The win marks his first triumph since the Australian PGA Championship in November 2023 and establishes the lowest winning score in the 77-year history of the Houston Open.
Finland’s Sami Valimaki matched Woodland’s Sunday 62 to finish solo fourth at 17-under-par, while Rory McIlroy, Wyndham Clark, Alejandro Tosti, and Taylor Pendrith shared fifth place at 15-under-par.
The tournament played at Memorial Park Golf Course, benefited from rain-softened conditions that suited Lee’s aggressive playing style.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
