Minjee Lee Bio
Minjee Lee is an Australian professional golfer from Perth, born on May 27, 1996. She became the number one ranked amateur golfer in February 2014 after winning the Oates Victorian Open and maintained that ranking until she turned professional in September 2014. Lee has achieved significant success in her career, winning three major championships: the 2021 Amundi Evian Championship, the 2022 U.S. Women’s Open, and the 2025 Women’s PGA Championship.
Early Life and Background
Minjee Lee was born in Perth, Western Australia, to parents who emigrated from Korea in the early 1990s. She showed an early interest in golf, becoming the youngest winner of the WA Amateur Open at just 14 years old while attending Methodist Ladies’ College. In 2012, she won the U.S. Girls’ Junior and the Australian Women’s Amateur in 2013, successfully defending her title in 2014. Her early achievements set the stage for her future success in professional golf.
Path to Golf
Lee became the number one ranked amateur golfer on February 26, 2014, after her victory at the Oates Victorian Open. She remained in that position until she turned professional later that year, having led the Australian team to victory at the Espirito Santo Trophy. Her transition to the professional circuit was marked by her immediate success on the LPGA Tour.
Minjee Lee Career
Early Career (2014-2015)
Minjee Lee turned professional in September 2014 and quickly made her mark on the LPGA Tour. She gained her first LPGA Tour victory at the Kingsmill Championship on May 18, 2015. This victory was a significant milestone in her early career, showcasing her potential as a rising star in women’s golf.
Breakthrough (2021-2025)
Lee’s breakthrough moment came on July 25, 2021, when she won her first major championship at the Amundi Evian Championship. Coming from seven strokes behind in the final round, she defeated Lee Jeong-eun on the first playoff hole. This victory solidified her status as one of the top players in the sport. In 2022, she won the U.S. Women’s Open, earning a record $1.8 million, the largest payday in women’s golf history at that time. In 2025, she claimed her third major title at the Women’s PGA Championship, further establishing her legacy in the sport.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout her career, Minjee Lee has achieved numerous milestones, including winning the Greg Norman Medal three times and the Rolex Annika Major Award twice. Her consistent performance has made her a prominent figure in women’s golf, and she continues to be a strong competitor on the LPGA Tour.
Minjee Lee Award Nominations
Minjee Lee has received several nominations throughout her career, reflecting her outstanding performance and contributions to the sport of golf.
Minjee Lee Awards Won
Lee has won multiple awards, including the prestigious Greg Norman Medal and the Rolex Annika Major Award, highlighting her status as one of the leading golfers in the world.
Minjee Lee Family
Minjee Lee’s family has played a significant role in her life and career. Her parents, Soonam and Clara Lee, emigrated from Korea to Australia, providing her with a supportive environment to pursue her golfing ambitions. Her younger brother, Min Woo Lee, is also a talented golfer, having won the 2016 U.S. Junior Amateur, making them the first brother-sister pair to win the USGA’s junior championships.
Personal Life
Minjee Lee maintains a relatively private personal life, focusing primarily on her career in golf. While details about her personal relationships are not widely publicized, her family’s support has been instrumental in her journey as a professional golfer.