Australian No.1 Min Woo Lee will be cooking up a storm on home soil this summer, with the fan favourite confirmed for the BMW Australian PGA Championship at The Lakes Golf Club and the Capital.com Australian Open at Kingston Heath Golf Club.
One of the most exciting talents in world golf, Lee is a member of the International Team at the recent Presidents Cup. He reached the FedExCup finale on the PGA Tour for the first time this year, finishing equal fourth at the Tour Championship after three top-three finishes earlier in the season. He already counts a BMW Australian PGA title among his five worldwide wins.
Off the course, he recently launched his own YouTube channel, and his personas as “The Chef” and “Dr Chipinski” continue to attract new audiences to the game, making him one of the most recognisable and popular figures in Australian sport.
BMW Australian PGA Championship, The Lakes, November 26-29
Lee will be chasing a second Joe Kirkwood Cup after claiming a memorable three-shot victory at Royal Queensland Golf Club in 2023. His return adds another major attraction to a field featuring some of the biggest names in Australian and international golf, in the tournament’s return to Sydney.
“I’m pumped to be coming back for the BMW Australian PGA in Sydney. It’s a tournament I’ve got some great memories from, and there’s nothing better than playing in front of the home fans,” Lee said.
“I’m sure that Sydney will really embrace us. There’s a really good vibe around the Summer of Golf, and I’m looking forward to getting out there and putting on a good show.
“Hopefully I can play some good golf, have a bit of fun and give myself a chance on Sunday. It’d be pretty cool to get my hands on that trophy again.”
PGA of Australia CEO Gavin Kirkman said Lee’s commitment was a massive boost for the championship and the broader Summer of Golf on the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia.
“Min Woo is a superstar of Australian golf, and having our Australian No.1 coming to Sydney is huge for the championship,” Kirkman said.
“He’s one of the most exciting players in the world to watch, he’s a proven winner on the biggest stages and he has a massive following among Australian golf fans. When Min Woo tees it up, there’s an energy and excitement around him that is pretty special.
“Having a player of his calibre competing in front of home fans is exactly what we want to see, and it’s going to be fantastic to have him back.
“With Min Woo, Adam Scott, Cam Smith and so many other outstanding players in the field, we’re shaping up for an incredible week in Sydney.”
Lee joins a growing line-up that includes defending champion David Puig, Adam Scott, Cam Smith, Lucas Herbert, Elvis Smylie, Cam Davis, Corey Conners, Carlos Ortiz, Daniel Hillier, Travis Smyth and Josele Ballester.
The championship returns to The Lakes for the first time since 1987, with the venue set to provide a compelling test for the field as players compete for the Joe Kirkwood Cup. It is co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour and the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia, and supported by the NSW Government through Destination NSW.
Capital.com Australian Open, Kingston Heath, December 3-6
A few weeks later, Lee will arrive at Kingston Heath with the chance to turn previous near-misses into a career-defining victory in the Stonehaven Cup on Melbourne’s famed Sandbelt. The field features some of the biggest names in Australian and international golf, including 2026 major winners Rory McIlroy and Ryan Fox.
“The Australian Open is a big one for us Aussies, and winning the Stonehaven Cup is something every Australian golfer dreams about, especially on a Sandbelt course,” Lee said.
“I’ve come close a few times, so hopefully this can be the year I get it done. It’s definitely one of the tournaments I really want to win.
“The crowds have been amazing the last few years, and it’s pretty special to have so many people out there cheering you on. Playing at home gives you that little bit of extra motivation, and I’d love to give the fans something to celebrate on Sunday.
“The game’s been solid this year, with some great results. I’ve just been missing that win, so hopefully I can get hot at Kingston Heath and give myself a chance.”
Golf Australia CEO James Sutherland said Lee’s presence would add to the excitement surrounding this year’s championship, following the record-breaking crowds at Royal Melbourne last year.
“Min Woo is one of the most exciting players in world golf, and Australian fans love watching him play,” Sutherland said.
“He has had a really strong year and the game to make a huge impact at Kingston Heath.
“Min Woo always brings plenty of energy to an event, and with the quality of the field taking shape, we’re expecting a terrific week of golf at Kingston Heath.”
The Capital.com Australian Open is co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour through its Strategic Alliance with the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia, and is supported by the Victorian Government through Visit Victoria.
