“The chef has arrived” Min Woo Lee claims first PGA Tour win in Texas.
Min Woo Lee secures his maiden PGA Tour victory at the Valero Texas Open, held at Memorial Park Golf Course in Houston. The 26-year-old Australian finished an impressive 20 under par after rounds of 66, 64, 63, and 67.
Enduring a mix of wind, rain, mist, and sunshine, Lee took what many considered a comfortable four-shot lead into the final round. However, Sunday brought its share of drama and nerves for the Australian.
Lee’s final round was steady rather than spectacular, with crucial par saves along the way—most notably on the par-five eighth hole. After his drive settled beneath a tree, he initially considered playing out on his knees. However, his caddie, Brian ‘Bo’ Martin, persuaded him to take an unplayable lie, a decision that ultimately helped him maintain control.
Adding to the tension for Lee was the calibre of players chasing him down, circling like sharks on the leaderboard. World number one Scottie Scheffler, former US Open champion Gary Woodland, and an in-form Rory McIlroy all produced outstanding final rounds.
The nerves intensified further when Lee pushed his drive at the par-five 16th into a vast water hazard on the right, forcing him to play his third shot from the tee. His previously comfortable lead suddenly shrank as he carded his only bogey of the day—his first in 41 holes.
Lee held his nerve, knowing that both Scheffler and Woodland had set the clubhouse lead at 19 under par. Needing to stay composed, the Australian made par on the final two holes to secure his maiden PGA Tour victory.
“It was a very mentally grinding day, but I’m super proud to win,” Lee said.
Renowned for his wizardry with wedges and one of the longest drivers on tour, it always seemed a matter of when, not if, Min Woo Lee would claim a PGA Tour title. Reflecting on his breakthrough, he admitted:
“I always felt like I had the assets to win. It was just a question of—can you do it, mentally?”
With the Masters now less than two weeks away, what better time to claim your first PGA Tour victory?
Hyo Joo Kim’s final-round charge secures LPGA glory in Arizona.
While Min Woo Lee held off the chasing pack to convert his four-shot final-round lead into a win, Hyo Joo Kim staged a remarkable comeback from four shots behind to triumph at the Ford Championship at Whirlwind Golf Club in Arizona. She defeated Lilia Vu in a playoff, securing victory with a six-foot birdie putt on the first extra hole.
Embed from Getty ImagesKim’s final-round of eight under par featured 10 birdies across 19 holes, sealing her seventh LPGA Tour title in style.
“The feeling was great today, and I just thought one hole at a time, one birdie at a time,” Kim said.
The final round proved to be a tightly contested battle. Lilia Vu, who began the day with a two-shot lead over Charley Hull, rolled in a short birdie putt on the par-five 12th to create a four-way tie at the top alongside Hyo Joo Kim, Allisen Corpuz, and Jeeno Thitikul.
Corpuz kept herself in the mix with two birdies on the back nine, each time earning a share of the lead. She closed with a 65 to finish third. Thitikul also surged into contention with three consecutive birdies but ultimately settled for six closing pars, carding a 66 to take fourth place.
Hull, who had positioned herself strongly to claim her first LPGA Tour title since 2022 after an opening-round 63, struggled to find her putting touch in the final group. A frustrating closing 71 left her five shots adrift.
World number one Nelly Korda finished tied for 22nd at 14 under par but will look to bounce back this week as she defends her T-Mobile Match Play Championship title at Shadow Creek Golf Course in North Las Vegas.
From LIV departure to DP World Tour triumph: Eugenio Chacarra’s breakthrough victory.
Like Min Woo Lee, another first-time winner emerged this weekend—this time on the DP World Tour. Eugenio Chacarra claimed his maiden DP World Tour title in just his ninth appearance.
The Spaniard secured victory at the 2025 Hero Indian Open by two shots after a challenging weekend for the entire field. Chacarra was one of only three players to finish under par, posting a final score of four under. Japan’s Keita Nakajima finished two shots back at two under par, while Joost Luiten took third place at one under.
The 25-year-old was awarded a sponsor’s invite for this week’s DP World Tour event and made the most of the opportunity, clinching victory at DLF Golf & Country Club. The win secures him full DP World Tour status, just months after his departure from the PIF-backed circuit.
Chacarra was a member of Sergio Garcia’s Fireballs last season but lost his spot to 2024 U.S. Amateur semi-finalist Luis Masaveu.
Reflecting on his victory, the young Spaniard said:
“Obviously I’d like to start by thanking Hero for giving me a chance to compete. I’m very grateful for that opportunity. Without them, I’m probably not in this spot right now. So thanks to Hero and everyone involved with Hero, I appreciate it. You guys probably changed my life from today, so thanks for that.”
Chacarra began his campaign with two rounds of 70 before battling to a one-over 73 on Saturday. After 54 holes, he found himself in a strong position to revitalise his career.
However, three dropped shots in the opening three holes on Sunday seemed to dash those hopes. Yet, Chacarra remained resilient, clawing back two of those shots before the turn with separate birdies.
On a brutally challenging course, where the field was largely struggling to post low scores, Chacarra showcased his skill with birdies at both the 11th and 12th holes.
“I think I did a great job all week of staying patient. And I know God was helping me today. I got a couple of good bounces (including) that chip on 14. I got some luck and some bounces that you need to win, but I’m very proud. I don’t have words right now,” said Chacarra.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe DP World Tour will take a break now until after The Masters, returning with the Volvo China Open on April 17-20.
Swing and Hope 
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