It’s been five years since Minjee Lee won her second LPGA Tour title at the 2016 LOTTE Championship. Lee won in dramatic fashion as she overcame a five-shot deficit in the final round and played her final eight holes 6-under par, which included a chip in for eagle on No. 13 at Ko Olina Golf Club. But if there’s one thing that stands out the most to Lee beside her play, it was the trophy ceremony.
“I actually just remember doing the, what do you call it, the hula dance at the end,” said Lee. “But I remember having a really good last round to win by one, so I think that was just like an exciting moment for me. Second win on the LPGA, so that was pretty special.”
Lee has earned three wins since her victory in Oahu, most recently at the 2019 HUGEL-AIR PREMIA LA Open. Since her 2016 victory as a 19-year-old, she’s recorded 44 top-10 finishes that have included her wins, as she continues to be a force on the LPGA Tour.
“I think I just sort of think about all may wins and the special moments in each one and just how I played. I reflect back on that,” said Lee. “No, every one has been special for me and just being back here is really nice.”
Lee hopes to add another top finish to her resume, and she remains grateful for the opportunity to compete another year in Hawaii.
“It's been really tough. It was tough year last year, and, you know, we really missed coming over here. Just a special thanks for them to step up and have the tournament this year,” said Lee. “So, yeah, just a big -- we're all really grateful to be back here and we all love it here. Just a big thank you.”