At the 2025 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship held at Fields Ranch East in PGA Frisco, Minjee Lee secured a commanding victory, supported notably by Lydia Ko. Lee’s triumph on June 23 showcased not only her skill but also the meaningful connection she shares with Ko, highlighting how Lydia Ko supports Minjee Lee victory in a way that transcends competition.
Minjee Lee’s Commanding Win Amid Challenging Conditions
Minjee Lee delivered an impressive performance to capture her third major title, holding a four-shot lead going into the final round. Despite early setbacks marked by bogeys, Lee remained composed throughout harsh conditions—including strong winds, intense heat, and demanding greens—finally closing her round with a 2-over 74. This score was enough to finish three strokes ahead of Auston Kim and Chanettee Wannasaen, securing the $1.8 million winner’s prize at the Texas venue.
However, it was Lee’s response after the win that drew attention beyond the leaderboard. Her social media posts reflected deep gratitude and emotional resonance, as she shared moments of celebration with fellow golfers Lydia Ko, Wie-Ling Hsu, and Hannah Green. One notable Instagram story showed Lee being doused with champagne with the caption,
“Who made this so much sweeter.”
The sentiment emphasized how the victory was enriched by friendship rather than isolated glory.
A Victory Marked by Personal and Professional Challenges
Lee’s victory broke a tough 20-month drought since her last LPGA success at the 2023 BMW Ladies Championship. During this stretch, she battled self-doubt and felt mounting pressure, especially over critiques regarding her putting. Reflecting on that period, Lee admitted,
“I feel like I had a lot of doubt the past few years,”
and added,
“I think the more I heard media and other people saying things about my putting, I think it got to me more and more over time.”
Lee’s openness about these struggles illustrated the emotional toll high-level golf can take.
The shared celebration with Lydia Ko was no casual gesture. Lee’s caption recognizing those who made her win even sweeter highlighted the important role that Ko played in supporting her during this time. Rather than celebrating in solitude or focusing solely on her team, Lee’s acknowledgment of Ko revealed a deeper bond forged through mutual understanding of the sport’s pressures.
How Lydia Ko Serves as a Mentor and Beacon of Resilience
Lydia Ko’s presence alongside Minjee Lee during these celebrations holds significant meaning, shaped by her own experiences overcoming adversity. Just two years earlier, Ko faced a challenging season in 2023, marked by emotional struggles and limited success, managing only two top-10 finishes in 20 starts. Many questioned whether Ko could recapture her early-career brilliance after such setbacks.
Her 2024 comeback, which included three LPGA victories and an Olympic gold medal in Paris, culminated in her Hall of Fame induction at the age of 27. This remarkable turnaround has made Ko a source of inspiration and mentorship for peers like Lee, who have endured hard times. Their relationship dates back to their amateur days, when Ko notably defeated Lee in the 2012 Australian Amateur Championship semifinals, illustrating a long-standing connection that has evolved from rivals to close friends and supporters.
Ko’s role during Lee’s victory celebration went beyond mere presence; it symbolized empathy and encouragement. As a player who understands the emotional struggles behind professional golf, Ko’s joy in sharing these moments with Lee reflected the evolving culture of the LPGA Tour, where camaraderie and mutual support are becoming as important as competition itself.
The Shared Journey from Doubt to Triumph
Lee’s social media reflections perfectly captured the significance of having someone like Lydia Ko by her side during such a milestone. This victory was not only a testament to her talent but also an illustration of the strength gained through genuine relationships in sport. The bond between Lee and Ko shows how golf’s greatest victories often involve shared experiences, compassion, and friendship beyond the trophies and prize money.
As professional golf continues to balance individual rivalry with deepening connections among players, Lee’s win stands as a reminder that the most rewarding successes come with support from those who truly understand the personal and emotional journeys inherent in the sport.