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Min Woo Lee’s Spectacular Performance Propels Him to a Three-Shot Lead at the Australian Open
Min Woo Lee tapped in for an eagle at the last on Friday, taking a three-shot lead at the halfway stage of the Australian Open. He is on course to back up last week’s title at the Australian PGA Championships.
In the last two weeks, the 25-year-old Australian player, Min Woo Lee, has been in exceptional form. It delighted the galleries at The Australian course when he skillfully used a nine-iron to place the ball within two feet of the pin at the 18th hole.
Lee confidently sank the putt, contributing to his impressive performance, as he posted a seven-under-par 64 following his initial round of 67 at the adjacent Lakes course. It propelled him to a total score of 12-under for the tournament, establishing a three-shot lead over Scot Connor Syme (70) and American Patrick Rodgers (70).
Min Woo Lee Excels with an Eagle Finish and a Three-Shot Lead at the Australian Open
“It’s always nice to make an eagle whenever, but on the last hole, it’s even nicer,” Lee informed reporters about his round, which included six birdies, a bogey, and the eagle.
“Sometimes you play good, sometimes you play bad and right now I’m playing good and I’m having fun. It’s not many time we get to play out here in Australia and enjoy this type of crowd, so I’m soaking it all in.”
The Australian Open features a novel format where men and women compete for their respective titles on the same layouts over two courses. Although weekend, play will be limited to The Australian.
On Friday, Min Woo Lee’s older sister, double major winner Minjee, played in the group behind him, and the entire family cheered them on at the course.
However, Minjee had a less successful day, shooting a three-over 75, putting her nine shots behind the women’s tournament leader, South Korea’s former world number one, Shin Ji-yai.
“It’s amazing just walking down the fairways looking back and seeing my sister,” Lee said.
Family Bond and Golf Feats Unfold at The Australian: Shin Leads, Cameron Smith Bounces Back
“I don’t think she played overly that good today, but just to see her swing it and just be around in the present, it’s really cool. We don’t really get to hang out as a family.”
Shin, at The Australian, shot a four-under 68, securing a two-shot lead over reigning champion Ashleigh Buhai of South Africa at the halfway point of the women’s event.
16-year-old amateur Rachel Lee, who qualified for the event on Monday and was a joint overnight leader, experienced a challenging second round. She dropped down the leaderboard with a seven-over-par 79, leaving her at one-over heading into the third round.
Cameron Smith, a former British Open champion, played in the same group as Lee. He improved significantly from last week’s performance at the Australian PGA, carding a three-under 68 and standing eight shots off the pace.
Despite the improvement, signs of Smith’s frustration with his form persisted. On the 17th, he angrily threw his ball into the water after missing a short par putt.
Adam Scott Optimistic Despite Missed Putts: A Strong 68 at the Lakes Keeps Him in Contention
“It was a lot better today and could have been way less, to be honest,” he said.
“I did everything I needed to do today except hole the putts, which is really frustrating. Just need to go out there tomorrow and do much more of the same and hopefully hear some of those putts over 10 feet go in.”
Adam Scott, a former Masters champion, posted a four-under 68 at the Lakes and joined Smith at four-under for the tournament, heading into the weekend.
My name is Krishanu Das the founder of the Sports Dribble.
I am Accountant by profession but a Sports Blogger by passion.
I am passionate about sharing my all knowledge and experiences of sports, with my readers and every sports enthusiast.
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