News Summary
Australian golfer Minjee Lee has had a remarkable 2025 season, culminating in her third major title win at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship in Texas. This victory was influenced by her switch to a broomstick putter, which improved her performance significantly. Alongside her impressive achievement, Lee also amassed earnings of approximately $3.9 million and showcased her exceptional skills throughout the season, including recording eight top-10 finishes. Her success has solidified her place among the best in women’s golf.
Perth, Australia: Minjee Lee’s Equipment Switch Propels Her to Third Major Title in Stellar 2025 Season
Australian golf sensation Minjee Lee’s 2025 season proved to be a career-defining year, highlighted by her triumphant win at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and a pivotal equipment change that transformed her performance on the greens. The strategic switch to a broomstick putter, first trialed during her off-season in Perth, dramatically improved her putting statistics and was a critical factor in securing her third major championship title. This successful adaptation underscores a year of remarkable consistency and achievement for the 29-year-old from Perth.
A Major Triumph in Texas
On June 22, 2025, Minjee Lee claimed the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship in Frisco, Texas, solidifying her status as one of golf’s elite. Her victory marked her third career major championship, placing her alongside Australian legends Karrie Webb and Jan Stephenson as only the third Australian woman to achieve three major golf titles.
Lee navigated challenging, windy conditions at the Fields Ranch East course to clinch the title with a three-shot lead, finishing with a 72-hole total of 4-under 284. Her final round of 2-over par 74 demonstrated resilience, especially after an anxious start that saw three bogeys in the first six holes. The championship featured the biggest prize purse in women’s golf history, with Lee taking home an impressive $1.8 million from the increased $12 million purse, matching the U.S. Women’s Open as the richest prize fund on the LPGA Tour.
This major win was Lee’s 11th professional victory on the LPGA Tour, snapping a 19-month winless streak, the longest of her decorated career. Her performance included two rounds in the 60s, shooting 69 on both Friday and Sunday, and she notably led the field in putting during the tournament.
The Broomstick Putter Revolution
The catalyst for Lee’s exceptional putting at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, and indeed her improved 2025 season, was her bold decision to switch to a 42-inch Odyssey Ai-ONE Square 2 Square #7 Broomstick Putter.
The journey with the broomstick putter began in October 2024, when Lee and her longtime coach, Ritchie Smith, started experimenting with it at the Royal Fremantle Golf Club in Perth. The transition was driven by a desire for greater consistency, particularly on shorter putts, as Lee had statistically ranked among the LPGA Tour’s worst putters in previous seasons, often losing half a stroke or more on the greens. Smith noted that while Lee excelled on longer putts, her inconsistency within four feet was a significant weakness.
Lee debuted the broomstick putter competitively at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions in January 2025. The change provided her with a newfound sense of “freedom” on the greens, helping her overcome overthinking that had previously affected her conventional putting stroke. The results were immediate and impactful: Lee rose to 8th on the LPGA Tour in strokes gained: putting for 2025.
Minjee Lee’s Winning Bag
Beyond the transformative putter, Lee’s success in 2025 was also supported by a comprehensive set of Callaway equipment. Her winning bag at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship included a Callaway Elyte Driver, featuring the advanced Ai 10x face technology, which helped her average over 262 yards per drive. She also utilized Callaway Elyte Fairway Woods, X Forged Irons, Opus Wedges, and a Callaway Chrome Tour X Golf Ball. Lee became a Callaway Staff Professional at the start of 2024, a partnership that clearly bore fruit throughout her successful 2025 campaign.
A Year of Consistent Excellence
The 2025 season saw Minjee Lee’s consistent performance extend beyond her major victory. She accumulated a total of 8 top-10 finishes and earned approximately $3.9 million in official prize money. Her consistent play also positioned her 3rd in the Race to the CME Globe points standings. Notably, she achieved a T3 finish at the Amundi Evian Championship, one of the other majors.
Lee’s outstanding major championship performances throughout the year were recognized with her second Rolex ANNIKA Major Award, an accolade that celebrates the player with the most outstanding record across all five major championships in a season. This repeat honor further emphasizes her reliability under pressure and her consistent pursuit of excellence on golf’s biggest stages.
Born in Perth, Western Australia, Minjee Lee’s golf journey began at age 10. She quickly rose through the amateur ranks, becoming the number one ranked female amateur golfer in the world before turning professional in 2014. Her previous major victories include the 2021 Amundi Evian Championship and the 2022 U.S. Women’s Open, showcasing a career dedicated to achieving golf’s highest honors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Minjee Lee’s most significant achievement in the 2025 season?
Minjee Lee’s most significant achievement in the 2025 season was winning the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship.
Which equipment change was crucial to Minjee Lee’s 2025 success?
The crucial equipment change for Minjee Lee’s 2025 success was switching to a broomstick putter, specifically a 42-inch Odyssey Ai-ONE Square 2 Square #7 Broomstick Putter.
Where did Minjee Lee first try her new putter?
Minjee Lee first tried her new putter at the Royal Fremantle Golf Club in Perth, Australia, during her off-season in October 2024.
How many major championships has Minjee Lee won in total, including 2025?
Including 2025, Minjee Lee has won three major championships.
What was the prize money for Minjee Lee’s KPMG Women’s PGA Championship win?
Minjee Lee earned $1.8 million from the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, which featured a record $12 million purse.
Which other golf equipment did Minjee Lee use for her 2025 major win?
For her 2025 major win, Minjee Lee used a Callaway Elyte Driver, Elyte Fairway Woods, X Forged Irons, Opus Wedges, and a Callaway Chrome Tour X Golf Ball.
Key Features of Minjee Lee’s 2025 Season
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Win | KPMG Women’s PGA Championship (June 22, 2025) |
| Location of Major Win | Frisco, Texas |
| Career Major Count | 3rd major championship win |
| Key Equipment Switch | Odyssey Ai-ONE Square 2 Square #7 Broomstick Putter |
| Putter Trial Origin | Royal Fremantle Golf Club, Perth, Australia (October 2024) |
| Impact of Putter Switch | Rose to 8th in LPGA Tour strokes gained: putting in 2025 |
| Other Key Equipment | Callaway Elyte Driver, Elyte Fairway Woods, X Forged Irons, Opus Wedges, Callaway Chrome Tour X Golf Ball |
| Major Prize Money | $1.8 million from a $12 million purse |
| Total Professional Wins | 11th LPGA Tour victory |
| Annual Earnings (2025) | Approximately $3.9 million |
| Key Award (2025) | Rolex ANNIKA Major Award (second time) |
