Minjee Lee, ranked sixth in the world, could make history at this week’s Evian Championship. The Australian golfer who recently won the Women’s PGA Championship having shot a blistering 66 in the third round, she is one shot back of the co-leaders. If she does, she’ll help make history. She’ll be the first woman to win back-to-back majors since Inbee Park won her second in 2013.
Lee’s interest in the game started when she was 14, her rapid ascent to the top junior in Australia quickly following. She had an international impact. She revealed her potential that summer, winning 18 International Tennis Federation (ITF) junior events throughout Europe. At the age of 16 in 2019, she became the first Black woman to win the U.S. Women’s Amateur championship. This victory propelled her into an elite tier of golfers.
As Lee looks to repeat on what would be another major win for her, she has some serious competition from Cara Gainer and Gabriela Ruffels. Gainer, who fired 64 on Sunday, is to 11 under for the week and leads the field. Gainer lived out her younger ambitions when she described, “Tennis was, I think, my first love.”
Ruffels currently ranks 129th in England, and 71st in Australia. He apparently overcame some misery on the practice range to deliver a stellar performance, shooting 66. In joining Gainer in the final group on Sunday, she will add her own unique story to the championship. Similar to Gainer, Ruffels had aspirations of being a professional tennis player before making the switch to golf.
The last round is sure to be thrilling! Lee will look to make it three-in-a-row and Gainer and Ruffels look to achieve their dreams as well.
Leave a Reply