In a display of skill and resilience, Min Woo Lee clinched his third DP World Tour victory at the Australian PGA Championship, overcoming early setbacks on Sunday to secure a three-shot win over Rikuya Hoshino at Royal Queensland.
Lee's journey to victory unfolded with a final-round 68, propelling him to a 20-under-par finish and claiming the championship trophy for the first time. Despite a challenging start, Lee reflected on the win with pride, stating, "I made it interesting early on and through the middle, but I ended up hanging on, and I'm really proud."
Facing stiff competition from the talented Rikuya Hoshino, who pulled level after the penultimate round, Lee showcased his mettle with an impressive performance on the front nine. A series of birdies and a spectacular eagle at the ninth solidified his lead and positioned him for a commanding victory.
While navigating through the challenges of the course, Lee acknowledged the relentless pursuit from his competitors, especially Hoshino. "Rikuya's a really good player, and he kept knocking on the door, but it was exactly the same as my last win — my playing partner just kept coming. So, I knew I needed to keep playing well and do my thing," Lee explained.
Despite a slight setback with a dropped shot at the par-four 10th, Lee maintained his composure, reclaiming lost ground with a birdie at the 12th. As the pressure mounted in the final stretch, a birdie at the 15th, sealed with a successful putt, gave Lee an unassailable lead, putting the result beyond doubt.
Rikuya Hoshino secured second place with a commendable three-under-par final round, while Marc Leishman made a remarkable charge through the field with a course record-equalling 63, including a striking birdie putt on the 18th hole, securing him the third spot on the leaderboard.
Lee's triumphant performance not only showcased his golfing prowess but also highlighted his ability to navigate challenges and emerge victorious on the grand stage of the Australian PGA Championship.
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