Aussie Minjee Lee wins $2.5million US Open and gets biggest payday women’s golf has ever seen

Australian golfer Minjee Lee has won the US Open title at Pine Needles by four strokes, earning her a $2.5million cheque that set a record for women in the sport.

The 26-year-old was sprayed with champagne by fellow Aussie Hannah Green after her triumph on Monday morning Australian time, which saw her shoot 71 on the final day after saving several pars thanks to her outstanding form with the putter.

‘I’m speechless, I can’t believe it right now,’ she said.

‘It’s super special and such a great honour right now. It’s always been my dream to win this since I was a little girl.’

Lee fulfilled a dream she’s had since she was a little girl when she lifted the US Open trophy

She believes the huge prizemoney is a great step forward for women in the sport.

‘We’re only moving in the right direction and we’re going to get better and better from here.

‘It’s such a large sum and I’m honoured to win it.’

Lee is just the third Australian to win the tournament, with her idol Karrie Webb victorious in 2000 and 2001 and Jan Stephenson the champion in 1983. 

Lee hugs her caddy after winning the Open earlier this morning

She finished four strokes ahead of American Mina Harigae, who also admitted the huge prizemoney was in her mind while she was playing. 

‘I’m not going to lie, my stomach hurt the last couple holes coming down the stretch. I was really stressed out, but I was really just focusing on one shot at a time, making solid contact, and just hitting good putts,’ she said after play had finished. 

South Korean players Hye-Jin Choi and Jin Young Ko finished third and fourth respectively, with Aussie Lydia Ko rounding out the top five.

Lee’s brother Min Woo, also a golfer, was full of emotion when talking about his sister on 

The total prize purse for the event was $13,870,850; almost double what the prizemoney was for the event last year and an incredible boon for women’s golf.

The sport has exploded in popularity, viewer numbers and prizemoney, with the pool being increased by over 90 per cent in the last 10 years according to the LPGA. 

Aussies were quick to tweet their pride and admiration for Lee’s achievement,