Min Woo Lee is Close to Winning PGA Championship

A record 15 players are within two shots of the lead at the PGA Championship. This is the most crowded leaderboard in 108 years.
By Newsroom | Sports, Golf |

Chilly Pennsylvania's brutal conditions at the PGA Championship have seen Australian golfer Min Woo Lee emerge as a significant contender. Lee, currently tied for third place, is just one shot off the lead after navigating the challenging second round with an even-par 70. This puts him in a prime position to contend for major championship glory, a prospect described as "every golfer's dream."

A record 15 players are clustered within two strokes of the lead, with 42 players within three strokes. This presents the most crowded leaderboard seen in 108 years, underscoring the fierce competition. Lee's strong performance in the second round, particularly his back-nine play, is a notable rebound after he was part of a large logjam at the top following the opening round.

‘Every golfer’s dream’: Min Woo Lee fights back to loom large at brutal PGA Championship - 1

On the Precipice of a Major

Lee, a 27-year-old from Perth, Australia, has demonstrated resilience on a course noted for its difficulty. After beginning the day sharing the lead, his round saw him briefly reach four-under-par with a birdie on the fourth hole. However, subsequent bogeys on the fifth, ninth, and tenth holes presented hurdles that he ultimately overcame to remain in contention.

Read More: New Eric Cantona Film Released Today at Cannes

Several of his countrymen did not fare as well. Elvis Smylie made the cut on the number at four-over par, but Travis Smyth and Adam Scott will not be playing on the weekend.

‘Every golfer’s dream’: Min Woo Lee fights back to loom large at brutal PGA Championship - 2

A Season of Striving

This current position at the PGA Championship builds upon a successful recent period for Lee. He secured his first PGA Tour title at the 2025 Texas Children's Houston Open, a victory that established him and his sister, Minjee Lee (a three-time major champion on the LPGA Tour), as only the third sibling pairing to achieve wins on both the PGA and LPGA Tours. His professional career, which began in early 2019, has seen him earn seven top-10 finishes on the PGA Tour and four international victories, including the Australian PGA Championship.

Lee's influence extends beyond the course, where he is known as "golf's viral superstar" due to his significant social media presence. His engaging personality and popular online content, which includes references to his "let him cook" moniker, have fostered connections with figures like pop star Justin Bieber.

Read More: 2026 PGA Championship cut line: Matsuyama leads, McIlroy and DeChambeau fight to advance

Currently ranked 31st in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), Lee plays out of Royal Fremantle Golf Club. His supporters include Golf Australia, endorsing initiatives to increase junior access to the sport. His favored sports team is the Fremantle Dockers, an Australian rules football club.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is Min Woo Lee and what is his position at the PGA Championship?
Min Woo Lee is an Australian golfer who is tied for third place, just one shot off the lead after the second round of the PGA Championship. He is a strong contender for the win.
Q: What are the conditions like at the PGA Championship?
The conditions in Chilly Pennsylvania are very tough. Many players are struggling with the difficult course, but Lee has managed to stay in contention.
Q: How does Min Woo Lee's performance compare to other golfers?
There is very close competition at the PGA Championship, with a record 15 players within two shots of the lead. This means Lee faces fierce competition from many golfers.
Q: What has Min Woo Lee achieved recently?
Min Woo Lee won the 2025 Texas Children's Houston Open and is now a major contender at the PGA Championship. He is also known for his large social media following.