Top golfer Minjee Lee has Rio gold in her sights

Minjee Lee has already packed a lot into her golfing career, and the daughter of South Korean migrants has her sights set on a gold medal at August's Rio Olympics.

Minjee Lee of Australia hits her drive.

Minjee Lee of Australia hits her drive. Source: AAP

Minjee Lee is only 19, but she has already claimed the number one Australian spot in women's golf from Karrie Webb.

She's ranked number 17 on the LPGA world rankings, and she's eager to show the world her full potential in Rio.

“I think it’s going to be amazing. I mean, the Olympics - it’s the highest honour that you can have,” she said  ahead of this week’s Australian Open in Adelaide.

Her mother, Clara, used to teach golf at a local Perth club. From the age of 10, Minjee practiced for several hours each day.
Lee holds the winners trophy after winning the rain delayed Kingsmill Championship LPGA golf tournament in 2015.
Lee holds the winners trophy after winning the rain delayed Kingsmill Championship LPGA golf tournament in 2015. Source: AAP
Clara spent last year supporting Minjee on the US Tour, in her first full year as a professional.

This week in Adelaide, her family will be reunited, including her brother Minwoo, who is also a rising golfing talent.

Despite the hectic year ahead on the professional circuit, Minjee believes she is physically and mentally strong enough to deal with the pressure.

“I think I’ve matured in myself and in my game this last year so I think I can make better decisions,” she said.

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1 min read
Published 16 February 2016 7:54pm
Updated 17 February 2016 9:11am
By John Baldock


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