Min Woo Lee holds nerve for first PGA TOUR title

Min Woo Lee held off the challenge of a high-class chasing pack to win his first PGA TOUR title at the Texas Children's Houston Open.

The Australian entered the final round at Memorial Park Golf Course with a four-shot lead and despite barely putting a foot wrong in making birdies on the third, ninth, 12th and 13th on the final day, he endured a tense finish amid charges from Gary Woodland and Scottie Scheffler.

The 2019 U.S. Open champion picked up four shots in his final four holes in a course-record equalling 62 and was joined in the clubhouse lead at 19 under by World Number One Scheffler, who made four birdies in a row from the 13th in a 63.

At that point, Lee's lead had been reduced to one as the three-time DP World Tour winner hit a ragged tee-shot on the 16th and made a bogey to ramp up the pressure.

After parring the 17th, he missed the green at the last but managed to cosy up a putt from 55 feet to eight inches, sparking celebrations before he tapped home to seal a par, a 67 and a narrow victory.

"They always say the six inches between your ears, I think that was a big part of this week," he said. "I always felt like I had the assets to win, it was just can you do it mentally.

"Obviously a couple of slip-ups, especially on 16, the drive. Played very wonderful golf all week and really, really solid.

"I only won by one, so it's tough. Keep doing what I'm doing. It's a lot of mental, these guys that win, they're mentally strong."

Woodland's tie for second was his best result since undergoing brain suurgery in 2023 and his 62 was matched by Lee's fellow dual member Sami Välimäki, who finished at 17 under.

Rory McIlroy was two shots further back in a tie for fifth at 15 under after a 64.