Minjee Lee chips in twice at LPGA’s Blue Bay, gives nod to brother Min Woo

Prior to the Blue Bay LPGA, an event she won back in 2016, Minjee Lee said she’s always felt comfortable on the property in Hainan, China. During her victory, Lee edged Jessica Korda by a stroke to win what was her third LPGA title. She has since won seven more times, including a pair of majors.

But something about the setup at Jian Lake Blue Bay Golf Course has always put her at ease, even with the pressure was ramped up.

“I just really enjoy playing this golf course. I like that everything is very close, the hotel, the course; you can walk, so that’s nice,” Lee said during the pre-tournament press conference. “I just have really great memories here of the past five times I’ve been here. I enjoy my time every time. Yeah, that’s what makes me want to come back.”

During Saturday’s third round, Lee didn’t have many highlights, but those she had were spectacular. The 18th-ranked player in the world made 14 pars on the day, one birdie and one bogey. But looking oh-so-comfortable around the greens, Lee had a pair of chip-in birdies, including one on the par-4 15th hole, and finished the day with a 68, pushing her to 6 under for the tournament.

She trails leader Rio Takeda by three strokes, but is very much in contention as she enters the final round of action.

After the round she gave a tip of the cap to her brother, Min Woo, who has been to chip-in from time to time, including an amazing stretch at the 2024 PGA Championship where he did so three times in 11 holes.

“A little inspiration from my little brother,” Minjee said after her round. “They were in really great spots to chip, so, yeah, had a good opportunity to hole them. Definitely more on the, what’s that hole, 15th hole. I was just on the rough; kind of got lucky to stay there. Chipped that one in. The one on the par 5 was a little bit tougher, but it was nice to see it go in.”

Lee, who hasn’t won since the 2023 BMW Ladies Championship, doesn’t think the course is playing just as it did when she won here in 2016, but she knows that patience will help as she tries to break her victory drought.

“I feel like it’s a little bit different conditions. I’m not really sure, but like it was nine years ago so I don’t really remember too much. I just know that I have good memories,” she said. “But I feel like I have to be quite patient out there. Like the first few holes I didn’t really capitalize on my birdie opportunities, but then I knew I had some opportunities to finish the round.

“I’m ust trying to stay patient and let the golf come to me more than anything.”

This article originally appeared on Golfweek: LPGA star Minjee Lee chips in twice at Blue Bay; gives nod to Min Woo