Minjee Lee hopes to go one better in this year’s Australian Open

Two-time major winner Minjee Lee’s “close call” at the 2023 Australian Open has her determined to go one better at this year’s event at the Kingston Heath and Victoria golf clubs.

Lee finished in second place last year to South Africa’s Ashleigh Buhai, who won by a stroke to clinch back-to-back Open crowns.

Perth product Lee also has the added incentive of winning the title for the first time and becoming the first Australian to claim the Patricia Bridges Bowl since Karrie Webb in 2014.

“Winning an Australian Open title would mean so much to me, and breaking the Aussie drought would make it extra special, especially after my close call last year in Sydney,” Lee said ahead of the November 28-December 1 event.

“That event was huge, and I’d love to see crowds like that again in Melbourne.”

Golf Australia chief executive officer James Sutherland said: “Minjee Lee is one of best players in the world. It is always a treat to watch her play.”

The women’s field for the dual gender event also includes Buhai, Hannah Green, Danielle Kang, Jiyai Shin, Steph Kyriacou, Grace Kim, Cassie Porter and Jenny Shin.

Lee’s brother Min Woo is also part of a men’s Open contingent that includes defending champion Joaquin Niemann, Cam Smith, Marc Leishman, Lucas Herbert, Cam Davis, Victor Perez, Nicolas Colsaerts, Harry Higgs and Karl Vilips.

“Both the women’s and men’s fields look really good, and for me it is going to be great fun going head-to-head with Ash after her success in this event and all the Aussie girls, especially Hannah, who has had such a great year on the LPGA,” Minjee said.

“Although it has been a long year playing all over the world, I’m very much looking forward to finishing my run of tournaments at the Australian Open. That is always one of the most special events of the year.”