Minjee Lee secures historic purse in U.S. Open win

Minjee Lee clinched the second major victory of her career, finishing at 13 under par to claim the U.S. Women’s Open title Sunday.

The Australian shot a 71 during the final round at Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club in Southern Pines, N.C., to win the tournament by five strokes.

Lee earned a historic $1.8 million purse for the victory, the largest payout in women’s golf history and part of the event’s total $10 million prize pool.

“We’re moving in the right direction,” Lee said of her prize. “I think it’s only going to get better from here.”

The 26-year-old held off Mina Harigae of the United States, who had never finished in the top 10 of a major.

“I mean, I’m speechless,” Lee said. “It’s the one I’ve always wanted to win, and now I’ve done it.”

Sunday’s U.S. Open win is Lee’s first major victory since lifting the trophy at the Evian Championship last July. Lee will look to become the first golfer to win back-to-back majors since Inbee Park’s 2013 run when she tees off at June’s Women’s PGA Championship.

The moment. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/TJdV8A9TCN

— Just Women’s Sports (@justwsports) June 6, 2022