Minjee Lee Speaks of Sibling Rivalry with Brother Min Woo

Australia’s history is littered with inspiring stories of inter-family success on the national and international stages. Decades past have seen relatives shine in their mutual sports; harnessing talent, fulfilling potential, firmly establishing themselves as household names forever engrained in the nation’s sporting folklore.

The Ella brothers, Mark and Glen, made a significant impact on the Rugby Union scene in the 1980s. They represented the Wallabies for years, with younger sibling Gary following their footsteps soon after. In the 90s, the Waugh twins, Mark and Steve, excelled in first-class cricket, becoming key members of the 1999 Cricket World Cup-winning side.

The Rio 2016 Summer Olympics were also a scene of special significance. Seven sets of Australian siblings competed on the grandest stage in Brazil, where the Campbell combination of Cate and Bronte won gold in the 4x100m freestyle relay.

Other notable families include the Ablett’s in Aussie Rules, the Konrad’s in Swimming, and the Reddy’s in Rugby League. All made their mark in Australia’s history books.

Yet right now in the present, another family is honouring this proud and enduring sporting tradition synonymous with Down Under: Minjee Lee and her brother, Min Woo. Hailing from Perth, both are professional golfers. The two are flourishing on their respective tours; flying the flag for family and for the country.

In fact, few stories in the world of golf are as inspiring and fascinating as theirs. Best friends with an unbreakable bond, Minjee credits a large portion of her success to her brother – who secured his third professional win just a fortnight ago, adding the SJM Macao Open to his two European Tour titles.

The women’s world No.4 and two-time Major champion elaborated on their relationship on the eve of the Aramco Team Series presented by Public Investment Fund – Riyadh, which gets underway today.

“Whenever I see him, I feel like it’s a little bit more motivation for me to step up my game and perform as best as I can,” she revealed.

“I think Min Woo has a bit more of a rivalry with me than I do him, but I’ll always be his biggest supporter and I know he’s mine as well. It’s always nice to see your family do well.

“I’m grateful that we’re both living our dream and playing the sport we love professionally all around the world. Things are great for both of us right now and we’re very happy with how our careers are continuing to develop.”

As for Minjee, she ensured that October 2023 will never be forgotten in the Lee family. Exactly one week after Min Woo won the Asian Tour event in China, she secured victory at the prestigious BMW Ladies Championship in South Korea.

She showed outstanding determination to overcome America’s Alison Lee in a play-off, sinking a birdie putt on the first extra hole for a second win in consecutive months. Weeks earlier in September, she won the Kroger Queen City Championship Presented By P&G in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Her recent run of form means she takes to the greens and fairways at Riyadh Golf Club as a favorite for the event’s individual competition, as well as a source of hope and inspiration for her teammates in the team format.

Ahead of the 2023 Aramco Team Series presented by PIF finale, where history will unfold in the first-ever professional golf tournament to be held in the Saudi capital, Minjee added: “I’m feeling good with my game and I’ve come to Riyadh high in confidence.

“Two wins from my last three starts is really encouraging and I came away from last week with even more belief. The course is in great condition and hopefully we have a good challenge ahead of us.”