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What a day for Minjee Lee! The Australian golfer clinched her 10th LPGA Tour title and second win of the season at the BMW Ladies Championship in South Korea on Sunday, October 22, 2023. But the victory was not without drama and humor. Lee had to survive a nail-biting playoff and a champagne shower from her friend and compatriot Hannah Green. 

Lee started the final round with a one-shot lead over Alison Lee. She played solid golf throughout the day, making five birdies and one bogey for a 4 under 68. She looked set to win the tournament in regulation, but Alison Lee made a late charge with birdies on the last two holes to force a sudden death playoff. 

Victory down to the wire

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The playoff was decided on the par-4 18th hole, where Minjee Lee hit a superb approach shot to three feet and made the birdie putt, while Alison missed her birdie attempt from 12 feet. It was Minjee Lee’s first playoff win on the LPGA Tour and her first victory in Asia.

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She also became the third player from Australia to reach double digits in Tour victories, joining Jan Stephenson and Karrie Webb. But before she could celebrate with the trophy, she had to endure a hilarious prank from Hannah Green, who finished third in the tournament.

 

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Green ran towards Minjee Lee with an open bottle of Champagne and sprayed it all over her, catching her off guard and making her scream. Minjee Lee then grabbed the bottle from Green and took a few sips, while laughing and hugging her friend. 

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Rising to the top: Minjee Lee’s no.1 world ranking

Green and Minjee Lee have been close friends since they were teenagers, and they also share a mentor in Karrie Webb, the Australian legend who has won seven majors.

Webb started a scholarship program in 2008 to bring young Australian amateurs to majors and spend a week with her. Minjee Lee was one of the scholarship recipients in 2013, while Green was one in 2015.

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This victory has propelled the 27-year-old golfer to the no.1 spot in the world rankings and given her a substantial lead in the race to the CME Globe standings.

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