RANCHO MIRAGE, Cali. – It’s a special fortnight for Australian siblings Minjee Lee and Min Woo Lee. Minjee Lee, last year’s Amundi Evian champion, holds a share of the early lead with Jennifer Kupcho at the Chevron Championship, where the women are taking their final major championship laps around the Dinah Shore Tournament Course. Minjee, 25, opened with a 6-under 66 on a picture-perfect day in the desert.
Next week, Min Woo, 23, will make his debut in the Masters. On Wednesday, Minjee plans to caddie for her younger brother in the Par 3 Contest.
Min Woo Lee of Australia celebrates with the trophy after winning the abrdn Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club on July 11, 2021 in North Berwick, Scotland. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
Minjee won’t be the first major champion to caddie in the Masters Par 3. In 2018, former No. 1 Ariya Jutanguarn looped for good friend Kiradech Aphibarnrat. In 2016, Lydia Ko caddied for Kevin Na and even hit a tee shot.
“He kind of asked me very casually,” said Minjee, who will also make her first trip to Augusta.
AUGUSTA, GEORGIA – APRIL 06: Lydia Ko, signs an autograph as Kevin Na of the United States looks on during the Par 3 Contest prior to the start of the 2016 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 6, 2016 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Min Woo qualified for the Masters by finishing in the top 50 of the Official World Golf Ranking at year’s end (49th). He has twice won on the DP World Tour, most recently last summer at the Scottish Open.
The Lees became the first siblings to win USGA titles. Minjee won the 2012 U.S. Girls’ Junior while Min Woo won the 2016 U.S. Junior.
Minjee, currently ranked No. 4 in the world, has won six times on the LPGA, including last year’s Evian in a playoff. Her previous best finish at the ANA is a share of third in 2017.
“I know I have one under my belt,” said Minjee of winning majors, “but I do want a little bit more.”
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