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Min Woo Lee Secures First PGA Tour Win at the Houston Open
Min Woo Lee survived a tense final round at the Texas Children’s Houston Open to capture his first PGA Tour title, fending off competition from notable players like Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy.
Entering the final day with a four-shot lead at Memorial Park Golf Course, Lee saw his advantage briefly swell to five strokes. His strong performance included three birdies over five holes around the turn, which kept him in command. However, a bogey on the 16th hole narrowed his lead to a single shot as Scheffler and Gary Woodland set a clubhouse target of 19 under. Despite the pressure, Lee managed to par his last two holes, finishing with a three-under 67 to clinch the victory by one stroke.
Although Scheffler remains without a win in 2025, his runner-up finish in Houston marks the second consecutive year he has come close, while Woodland enjoyed his best result on the PGA Tour in six years, tying the course record with a final-round 62. Finland’s Sami Valimaki finished in fourth place, three strokes back, also matching Woodland’s impressive 62. Meanwhile, McIlroy, preparing for his upcoming challenge at Augusta National, rounded out the top five with a final-round 64.
Lee’s Strategy and Performance
From the outset, Lee held onto his four-shot buffer, successfully navigating the opening holes despite early missed birdie opportunities. He reclaimed a five-shot lead by converting a birdie at the par-five third hole. Woodland closed the gap to three strokes with a string of impressive birdies, including one at the demanding par-five eighth, where Lee scrambled to save par after hitting his tee shot into a bush.
Lee responded strongly, sinking a five-foot birdie at the par-three ninth to maintain his three-shot lead at the turn. He continued this momentum, making birdies on consecutive holes starting from the 12th, even as Scheffler surged back into contention with an impressive run of five birdies in seven holes. Woodland also began closing in, posting a birdie and eagle in quick succession.
With three holes left to play, Lee found himself three ahead until he encountered trouble at the par-five 16th, where a wayward tee shot landed in the water. A calm two-putt from 40 feet allowed him to escape with just a bogey, preserving his slim lead as he made par on the next hole.
On the final hole, Lee’s tee shot found the rough, but he managed to approach the green and left himself just six inches for par, celebrating as he tapped it in for a momentous win. “I played exceptionally well leading up to that bogey on 16,” Lee remarked afterward. “Scottie is a fantastic competitor who keeps you on edge. This was a new experience for me, trying to protect a lead.” He expressed relief and pride in successfully managing the mental strain of the day.
McIlroy’s Preparation for Augusta
Rory McIlroy began his day with challenges, making a three-putt bogey at the first hole. However, he clawed back, using his sharp driving and remarkable putting to gain traction on the leaderboard. A strategic approach at the par-five eighth hole led to a crucial eagle, contributing to a strong back-nine performance.
After a birdie at the 10th, McIlroy continued his charge with another birdie at the 12th, finishing the round six under for the day. Despite finishing tied for fifth, McIlroy felt positive about his game, making adjustments that paid off. “The past three days were solid, and I feel I’m heading to Augusta with a good mindset,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of fine-tuning his game in preparation for the Masters.
Looking Ahead
As the PGA Tour progresses, the Valero Texas Open takes center stage next at TPC San Antonio. This event presents the last opportunity for players to secure an invitation to the Masters. The Masters tournament will take place at Augusta National from April 10-13, where Scheffler will defend his title, and McIlroy looks to secure his fifth major championship.
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