Min Woo Lee set to cook at the BMW Australian PGA and Aus Open

Media Release:

Australian No.1 Min Woo Lee will be cooking up a storm in Sydney this November, with the fan favourite, social media sensation and former champion confirmed for the BMW Australian PGA Championship at The Lakes Golf Club.

One of the biggest drawcards in world golf, Lee will be chasing a second Joe Kirkwood Cup after claiming a memorable three-shot victory at Royal Queensland Golf Club in 2023.

A member of the International Team at the recent Presidents Cup, Lee has established himself among the game's elite, combining explosive power and a fantastic short game with the personality that has made him a huge fan favourite.

He reached the FedexCup finale on the PGA Tour for the first time this year, finishing equal fourth at the Tour Championship, to follow on from three top-threes earlier in the season.

Off the course, his persona as “The Chef” continues to attract new audiences to the game.

Lee’s return home for the November 26-29 event, co-sanctioned by the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia and DP World Tour, adds another major attraction to a BMW Australian PGA Championship field featuring some of the biggest names in Australian and international golf in the tournament’s return to Sydney.

“I’m pumped to be coming back for the BMW Australian PGA in Sydney. It’s a tournament I’ve got some great memories from, and there’s nothing better than playing in front of the home fans,” Lee said.

“I’m sure that Sydney will really embrace us.

“There’s a really good vibe around the Summer of Golf, and I’m looking forward to getting out there and putting on a good show.

“Hopefully I can play some good golf, have a bit of fun and give myself a chance on Sunday. It’d be pretty cool to get my hands on that trophy again.”

PGA of Australia CEO Gavin Kirkman said Lee's commitment was a massive boost for the BMW Australian PGA Championship and the broader Summer of Golf on the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia.

“Min Woo is a superstar of Australian golf, and having our Australian No.1 coming to Sydney huge for the championship,” Kirkman said.

“He's one of the most exciting players in the world to watch, he's a proven winner on the biggest stages and he has a massive following among Australian golf fans. When Min Woo tees it up, there's an energy and excitement around him that is pretty special.

“Having a player of his calibre competing in front of home fans is exactly what we want to see, and it's going to be fantastic to have him back.

“With Min Woo, Adam Scott, Cam Smith and so many other outstanding players in the field, we're shaping up for an incredible week in Sydney.”

Lee joins a growing line-up for the 2026 BMW Australian PGA Championship, with defending champion David Puig, Adam Scott, Cam Smith, Lucas Herbert, Elvis Smylie, Cam Davis, Corey Conners, Carlos Ortiz, Daniel Hillier, Travis Smyth and Josele Ballester among those set to compete.

The championship will return to The Lakes Golf Club for the first time since 1987, with the venue set to provide a compelling test for the field as players compete for the Joe Kirkwood Cup.

The 2026 BMW Australian PGA Championship is co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour and the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia.

Australian superstar Min Woo Lee chasing Stonehaven Cup at Kingston Heath

Australian superstar Min Woo Lee is coming for the Stonehaven Cup, with the fan favourite set to light up Kingston Heath Golf Club at the Capital.com Australian Open from December 3-6.

One of the most exciting talents in world golf, Lee will arrive on home soil with the chance to turn previous near-misses into a career-defining victory on Melbourne’s famed Sandbelt.

A member of the International Team at the recent Presidents Cup, Lee reached the FedExCup finale on the PGA Tour for the first time this year, finishing equal fourth at the Tour Championship, following three top-three finishes earlier in the season.

He already counts a BMW Australian PGA title among his five worldwide wins.

Off the course, he recently launched his own YouTube channel and his personas as “The Chef” and “Dr Chipinski” continue to attract new audiences to the game, making him one of the most recognisable and popular figures in Australian sport.

Lee’s commitment adds another major attraction to a field featuring some of the biggest names in Australian and international golf, including 2026 major winners Rory McIlory and Ryan Fox, with Kingston Heath set to provide a spectacular stage for one of the biggest weeks on the Australian sporting calendar.

“The Australian Open is a big one for us Aussies, and winning the Stonehaven Cup is something every Australian golfer dreams about, especially on a Sandbelt course,” Lee said.

“I’ve come close a few times, so hopefully this can be the year I get it done. It’s definitely one of the tournaments I really want to win.

“The crowds have been amazing the last few years, and it’s pretty special to have so many people out there cheering you on. Playing at home gives you that little bit of extra motivation, and I’d love to give the fans something to celebrate on Sunday.

“The game’s been solid this year, with some great results. I’ve just been missing that win, so hopefully I can get hot at Kingston Heath and give myself a chance.”

Golf Australia CEO James Sutherland said Lee’s presence would add to the excitement surrounding this year’s championship following on from the record-breaking crowds at Royal Melbourne last year.

“Min Woo is one of the most exciting players in world golf, and Australian fans love watching him play,” Sutherland said.

“He has had a really strong year and the game to make a huge impact at Kingston Heath.

“Min Woo always brings plenty of energy to an event, and with the quality of the field taking shape, we’re expecting a terrific week of golf at Kingston Heath.”

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