The Korean-Australian took out his second European Tour title in July, dominating the field to win the Abrdn Scottish Open.
The World No.61 shot an impressive seven-under-par final round before closing out the win in a three-person playoff.
It was the Perth native's biggest win since turning pro in 2019.
“It was one of the biggest tournaments I have ever played,” he tells SBS Korean. “It opens up a few doors for the future.”
He has now joined the PGA tour in the US, and although he’s confined to a precautionary bubble – introduced by tour organisers to combat the threat of COVID-19 - he’s excited to be able to compete.
Min Woo Lee on the 18th after winning the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club. Source: Press Association
To guide him along the way is his older sister Minjee Lee, the world's eighth-ranked female golfer.
“My sister lives in Dallas, and I came here to see her,” he says.
After securing the World No.1 spot in the amateur rank in 2014, Minjee has amassed five LPGA tour titles, including the recent Evian Championship in France.
For Min Woo, having a top golfer as his sister has its benefits.
Minjee Lee of Australia in action on the eleventh hole during the second round of the Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational. Source: AAP
“There’s a little bit of pressure, but we both encourage each other to do really well.
“We’re happy for each other but we’re very competitive. We do like each other‘s company and don’t get to see each other that often.
“She’s taught me a little bit along the way, and I taught her a little bit too so it’s nice to have a sister very good at golf. She’s been very helpful since I turned pro.”
Although it was Minjee who began to pave the way in the professional tour, Min Woo says they both formed their passion for the sport together.
“I can say I had something to do with her starting golf. It was good fun, and we started. My mum was a golf teacher, so we went to a park and just copied her,” he says.
They encouraged each other to do well, but Min Woo says the gruelling schedule of the professional tour, especially over the past few years, meant that catching up with his sister has become increasingly difficult.
However, he says whenever the family is together in Perth, a round of golf is a certainty.
Min Woo Lee of Australia plays from the bunker at the first hole during round 3 of the Australian Open Golf Championship in 2017. Source: AAP
“Even dad played golf, and he was really good, too. He played off a plus-one handicap."
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a number of challenges for Min Woo, due to the international travel limitations, player precautions and Australia’s international border closure.
“It is very difficult obviously travel-wise. It is more expensive, and It is hard to get home.
“We have been in a bubble every week, so we cannot leave the hotel with the golf course, so it has been pretty tough, but it’s been nice enough of course when you play good golf.”
Despite the challenges, Min Woo's short-term goal is to crack the top 50 rankings, before gunning for the number one spot.
“That’s going to be very tough, but I’m going to do my best to get to that stage. Winning big tournaments helps, so hopefully, I can win a couple more tournaments, and win a couple of majors which will be nice.
“Maybe top 50 at the end of the year, and then hopefully number one in the near future.”
