Brief Introduction of Min Woo Lee
Min Woo Lee is a prominent Australian professional golfer who has rapidly risen through the ranks to become a globally recognized figure in the sport. Known for his powerful driving, charismatic personality, and engaging social media presence, Lee competes on both the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour. He captured the attention of the golf world with significant victories including the 2020 ISPS Handa Vic Open, the 2021 Abrdn Scottish Open, and the 2023 Fortinet Australian PGA Championship. His dynamic style of play and his popular catchphrase, “Let him cook,” have made him a fan favorite, particularly among a younger demographic of golf enthusiasts. Beyond his individual achievements, he is also part of a famous golfing family, being the younger brother of LPGA Tour major champion Minjee Lee, making them one of the most successful sibling duos in professional golf history.
Min Woo Lee Overview
| Full Name | Min Woo Lee |
| Date of Birth | July 27, 1998 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 27 |
| Birthplace | Perth, Western Australia, Australia |
| Profession | Professional Golfer |
| Husband/Wife | Not married |
| Family | Soonam Lee (Father), Clara Lee (Mother), Minjee Lee (Sister) |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Gracie Drennan |
| Net Worth | Estimated to be around $5 million – $10 million |
Early Life and Education of Min Woo Lee
Min Woo Lee was born in Perth, Western Australia, to South Korean parents, Soonam and Clara Lee, who had immigrated to Australia in the early 1990s. Golf was an integral part of the Lee household from a very young age. His mother, Clara, was a teaching professional at a local driving range, and it was her passion for the game that introduced both Min Woo and his older sister, Minjee, to the sport. His father, Soonam, also became an avid golfer, achieving a plus-handicap. Growing up in this environment, it was almost inevitable that Min Woo would develop an interest in golf. He and his sister spent countless hours at the Royal Fremantle Golf Club, honing their skills under the guidance of their mother and coach Ritchie Smith. Lee attended Corpus Christi College in Perth, where he was known as a talented multi-sport athlete. He excelled in swimming and basketball alongside his golfing commitments. Despite his talent, he initially had a more playful approach to golf compared to his sister, who was already on a clear path to stardom. However, a competitive spark and a desire to forge his own identity in the sport eventually led him to focus more seriously on his golf career during his teenage years.
Min Woo Lee’s Career
Min Woo Lee’s career has been marked by a stellar amateur record and a swift, impactful transition to the professional ranks. As an amateur, he accumulated a number of significant victories, including the Western Australia Amateur in 2015 and 2017. His most notable amateur achievement came in 2016 when he won the U.S. Junior Amateur, defeating Noah Goodwin. This victory was historic as it made him and his sister, Minjee (who won the U.S. Girls’ Junior in 2012), the first and only brother-sister duo to win the USGA’s premier junior championships. This accomplishment solidified his status as one of the world’s top amateur golfers.
Lee made the decision to turn professional in January 2019. He quickly found his footing on the European Tour (now DP World Tour), recording early top-5 finishes at the Saudi International and the ISPS Handa World Super 6 Perth. His breakthrough professional victory came in February 2020 at the ISPS Handa Vic Open, an event co-sanctioned by the European Tour and the PGA Tour of Australasia. This win was particularly special as his sister Minjee had previously won the women’s event at the same venue. In July 2021, Lee secured his second European Tour title, and his first Rolex Series win, at the Abrdn Scottish Open, defeating Matt Fitzpatrick and Thomas Detry in a playoff. This victory earned him a spot in The Open Championship and significantly raised his international profile.
The year 2023 was a landmark season for Lee. He recorded his best finish in a major championship with a T5 at the U.S. Open. He also earned Special Temporary Membership on the PGA Tour, signaling his intent to compete more regularly in the United States. Late in the year, he went on a remarkable winning streak, first capturing the SJM Macao Open on the Asian Tour with a record-breaking score of 30-under-par. Just a few weeks later, he won the Fortinet Australian PGA Championship on home soil. These victories propelled him into the top 50 of the Official World Golf Ranking and secured him a full PGA Tour card for the following season. His success has continued, and he now resides in Las Vegas, Nevada, to facilitate his career on the PGA Tour, where he is a regular contender.
Min Woo Lee Personal Life & Family
Min Woo Lee’s personal life is deeply intertwined with his family’s passion for golf. His parents, Soonam and Clara, have been a constant source of support throughout his career. His mother, Clara, a former golf professional herself, was his first coach and played a pivotal role in developing the fundamental skills of both Min Woo and his sister. His father, Soonam, also a skilled golfer, provided encouragement and support, often traveling with his children to tournaments. The family bond is exceptionally strong, and they remain a tight-knit unit.
His most well-known family connection is his older sister, Minjee Lee, a multiple major champion on the LPGA Tour. Growing up, there was a healthy sibling rivalry that pushed both of them to excel. While Minjee was often seen as the more serious and focused golfer from a young age, Min Woo developed his own flamboyant and charismatic style. They are incredibly supportive of each other’s careers, often celebrating one another’s victories on social media and in interviews. They made history as the first siblings to win the U.S. Junior Amateur titles and have both represented Australia in the Olympics.
In his personal relationships, Min Woo Lee has been in a long-term relationship with Gracie Drennan. The couple reportedly started dating in 2019. Drennan is also from Australia and has a background in fashion design, having studied at the South Metropolitan TAFE. She maintains a relatively private life but is occasionally seen supporting Lee at tournaments and features in his social media posts. The couple’s journey and Lee’s decision to move to the US were briefly featured in the Netflix golf documentary series “Full Swing.”
Awards and Achievements of Min Woo Lee
- 2016 U.S. Junior Amateur Champion
- 2020 ISPS Handa Vic Open Winner (DP World Tour, PGA Tour of Australasia)
- 2021 Abrdn Scottish Open Winner (DP World Tour – Rolex Series)
- 2023 SJM Macao Open Winner (Asian Tour)
- 2023 Fortinet Australian PGA Championship Winner (DP World Tour, PGA Tour of Australasia)
- Represented Australia in the Olympics
- Represented the International Team in the Presidents Cup
- Holds a Guinness World Record for the ‘Fastest hole of golf by a team of four’ (24.75 seconds), achieved in 2021 with Sean Crocker, Wilco Nienaber, and Nicolai Højgaard.
Min Woo Lee Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Min Woo Lee’s net worth is estimated to be between $5 million and $10 million. His wealth is primarily derived from his on-course earnings and a growing portfolio of endorsements. Since turning professional in 2019, Lee has accumulated millions in prize money from his victories and consistent high finishes on the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and Asian Tour. His official career earnings on the PGA Tour alone are in the multi-millions.
His income is significantly supplemented by lucrative sponsorship deals. Lee’s charismatic personality and strong social media presence make him highly marketable. His primary equipment sponsor is Callaway Golf. He has also secured major endorsement deals with apparel giant Lululemon, which has embraced his “Let him cook” persona, and eyewear brand Oakley. Other sponsors include ADP and the luxury watchmaker De Bethune. These partnerships contribute substantially to his annual income and overall net worth.
Legacy and Influence
Min Woo Lee’s legacy is already taking shape as one of golf’s most dynamic and influential young stars. He is breaking the mold of the traditional golfer with his engaging, high-energy personality and masterful use of social media. He has successfully cultivated a large and dedicated following, particularly among younger fans, by sharing behind-the-scenes content and showcasing his charismatic persona. His popular catchphrase, “Let him cook,” has become a viral sensation, with fans often sporting chef hats at tournaments in his honor. This has helped to make the sport more accessible and appealing to a new generation of fans.
On the course, his powerful and aggressive style of play, characterized by blistering drives and a deft short game, makes him an exciting player to watch. Alongside his sister Minjee, he is part of a powerful legacy for Australian and Asian-Australian golfers, inspiring a diverse new wave of talent. His success demonstrates that individuality and a strong personal brand can coexist with elite performance, and he is seen as a key figure in the modernization of professional golf’s public image.
Interesting Facts about Min Woo Lee
- He and his sister Minjee are the only brother-sister pair to have won the U.S. Junior and U.S. Girls’ Junior titles.
- His popular catchphrase, “Let him cook,” originated from his online gaming sessions with friends.
- He holds a Guinness World Record for the fastest hole of golf completed by a team of four.
- As a junior, he was a talented basketball and swimming athlete before fully committing to golf.
- He is known for his signature “stinger” shot, a low-trajectory tee shot that he reportedly picked up tips for from watching Tiger Woods.
- He is an avid gamer in his time away from the golf course.
- He is one of the few professional golfers who often plays tournaments while wearing a luxury watch.
Controversies
Min Woo Lee has maintained a largely positive and uncontroversial public image throughout his career. However, he was involved in a minor controversy regarding pace of play during the final round of his victory at the 2025 Texas Children’s Houston Open. On the 8th hole, Lee took an extended amount of time to decide on a shot after his tee shot landed in a difficult position, which reportedly caused the group to take about 30 minutes to complete the hole. His playing partner, Alejandro Tosti, expressed frustration with the delay to a rules official. The two later discussed the incident, and Lee indicated there was no lasting issue between them. The incident was minor and did not overshadow his maiden PGA Tour victory.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram (@minwoo27lee) – Over 800,000 followers
- Twitter (@Minwoo27Lee) – Over 200,000 followers
- YouTube – Not publicly available/active
- TikTok (@minwoo27lee) – Over 300,000 followers
Final Words about Min Woo Lee
Min Woo Lee continues on an upward trajectory in the world of professional golf, firmly establishing himself as a top-tier talent with a global fanbase. Having secured his first PGA Tour victory and full playing rights, his focus is now on competing for major championships and consistently performing at the highest level. His unique blend of athletic prowess, engaging showmanship, and digital savvy positions him as a transformative figure in the sport. As he continues to mature as a player, the expectation is that he will add many more titles to his resume and remain a prominent and popular figure in golf for years to come. The Min Woo Lee biography is one of ambition, family, and a modern approach to professional sports, and his future plans undoubtedly include climbing even higher in the world rankings and becoming a major champion, just like his sister.