Defending champ Lee laments poor finish after hot start
Murray Wenzel |
A frustrated Min Woo Lee has lamented his inability to maintain a stranglehold after a hot start to his Australian PGA Championship defence.
The popular 2023 victor defied a sleepy 6.10am start at Brisbane’s Royal Queensland on Thursday, blazing out of the blocks with four birdies in his first six holes.
But the West Australian – an Olympian and President’s Cup player this year – coughed up that advantage with three bogeys offsetting two birdies after the turn.
He finished three-under, three behind the early clubhouse leader Elvis Smylie and visibly agitated by his wayward finish.
“Started well … (but left) everything on the back nine,” he said.
“Didn’t putt well and hit some loose iron shots … just not decisive and not good.”
More than 1000 fans followed Lee, three-time champion Cameron Smith and Jason Day in the early-morning marquee group on Thursday.
Lee routinely out-drove his big-name colleagues but finished a shot behind both of them.
“It’s nice to get out there and watch Min; it’s unbelievable how far he hits it,” said Day.
“A couple of bad breaks, but he’s playing pretty solid.
“It’s always hard and in the marquee group a lot of people watching and a bit more nerve-wracking coming back as a defending champ.”
AAP
