How bad does a PGA Tour season have to be before it’s considered disappointing? That’s open to interpretation. For one professional golfer, the year started with a tie for 17th place, followed by a tie for 12th at TPC Scottsdale. Things then took a dip with a missed cut at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and a tie for 20th at THE PLAYERS Championship. While those results aren’t disastrous, they’re far from dominant. But the real low point came at the 2025 RBC Heritage, where he finished tied for 61st with rounds of 72, 71, 71, and 68, ending at two under par (282 total). It’s a position no golfer wants to be in, but it serves as a reminder that even elite players experience ups and downs.
Min Woo Lee, who tied for 49th at the first major of the season and stirred up some controversy, shared his thoughts on Instagram. He looked back at his recent breakthrough—his first PGA Tour victory at the 2025 Texas Children’s Houston Open in March. Reflecting on the rollercoaster nature of the sport, he wrote, “Golf can be a game of disappointments and failure. But time to celebrate the W. Time to have my first two weeks off for the year. Thank you all for the love & support,” showing gratitude and relief for his fans’ encouragement.
Lee’s Houston Open win was a major milestone in his career. He edged out world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and Gary Woodland by just one stroke, earning $1.71 million in prize money. The win marked his first PGA Tour victory and his fourth title as a professional. He attributed his success to a new mindset, embracing a calmer, more mindful approach. “I’m starting to learn golf is golf and don’t get too emotional about bad shots, it’s going to happen… Yeah, don’t get ahead of yourself, one shot at a time,” he said. That philosophy helped him stay focused during the final round, including a crucial recovery at the 8th hole where he saved par after an unplayable lie, then followed it with a birdie at the 9th.
View this post on Instagram
Despite some stumbles, Lee’s win gave him 500 FedExCup points, moving him up to 16th in the season standings—a feat that thrilled many fans. The victory also boosted his global visibility, as celebrities like Justin Bieber congratulated him on Instagram. With a massive following of 294 million, Bieber’s shoutout introduced Lee to a broader audience. NBA star Stephen Curry also joined the celebration, posting an excited photo of Lee lifting the trophy with a cheering caption.
Lee’s win carries more weight than just a trophy—it may shift public perception. Often labeled a “social media golfer” due to his strong online presence on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, Lee has struggled to convince critics that he’s more than just an internet personality. Speaking candidly in season three of the golf documentary series Full Swing, he admitted that the negative labels get to him at times, but he’s learning not to let them affect his game.
In light of his win and recent struggles, fans who once doubted him are beginning to show their support. This renewed backing could signal a turning point for Lee as he works toward redemption in upcoming tournaments. So, the question remains: can Min Woo Lee continue to prove the doubters wrong and build on his success?