FRISCO, Texas — On a day where the wind was as fierce as any opponent, Minjee Lee didn’t just survive; she thrived. The two-time major winner delivered a bogey-free 3-under 69 on Saturday, vaulting her four strokes ahead at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship.
Facing gusts over 30 mph on the expansive Fields Ranch East, Lee's calm play turned a three-stroke deficit into a clear lead over world No. 2 Jeeno Thitikul, who carded a 76 under challenging conditions.
Lee's deft touch on the 12th hole saw her make par to take the lead as Thitikul endured back-to-back bogeys. With gusts resembling a battlefield more than a golf course, Lee's local knowledge of Irving's terrain paid dividends on a grueling Texas day that saw temperatures soar into the mid-90s.
The field, including world No. 1 Nelly Korda, felt the weight of mother nature. Korda likened the day to a test of resilience after finishing with an even 72, stating the scene was “just brutal.” Despite the adversity, Korda secured two late birdies to end tied for sixth at 2-over 218.
While Lee and Thitikul remain under par, others scrapped for position. Lexi Thompson, facing a triple-bogey off the bat, clawed her way to a tie for third alongside Hye Jin Choi and Miyu Yamashita.
Thitikul, who briefly expanded her lead with a lone birdie on the par-3 eighth hole, faltered at 11 and 12 with bogeys that ceded momentum to Lee's steadiness. Her missed par on the 11th marked her first such slip inside 5 feet all week.
Lee, the victor of the '22 U.S. and '21 AIG Women's Opens, showed her class with consecutive pars before sealing birdies at the ninth, 14th, and 15th holes, pulling away from a stumbling Thitikul.
The weekend sees surprises, such as a surge from Grace Kim, who recorded a 68 to break into the top 10 after starting far down the leaderboard. Her six-birdie tally was unmatched amid the day's tough scoring, evidence of the fluid nature of championship golf.
Ace heroics from Brianna Do on the fourth hole added a flicker of excitement, underscoring the unpredictable drama at every turn.
As Sunday beckons, Lee stands poised to capture yet another major, her composure and tactical brilliance set to be tested against the windiest of contenders.
