Saturday, July 18, 2026

Lee Scores Record $1.8M LPGA Payout With US Open Title

  • The 26-year-old captured her second major with a record-setting performance.
  • She leads this season’s money list with $2.6 million and ranks 18th all-time at $11 million.
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Minjee Lee’s record-setting run to the 2022 U.S. Women’s Open title should finally put the 26-year-old on the international radar.

The Australian fired an even-par 71 at Southern Pines, North Carolina, on Sunday to claim a five-shot victory and her second career major — a win that catapulted her into the top 20 on the LPGA’s all-time money list.

Lee took home $1.8 million — the biggest payout in women’s golf history — from an LPGA-record $10 million purse, continuing her rise as a next-gen star.

  • Lee’s set U.S. Women’s Open records for fewest strokes through 54 holes (200) and 72 holes (271).
  • She leads this season’s money list with $2.6M and ranks 18th all-time at $11M.
  • Lee moved up to third in the world rankings.

Lee’s second victory in 2022 also represents her second in her last three starts, as well as her fourth consecutive top-12 finish.

A victory next month at Washington, D.C.’s Women’s PGA Championship would make Lee the first to win back-to-back majors since Inbee Park won three in a row in 2013. 

In addition to her two major titles — her first was the Evian Championship in July 2021 — Lee has third-place major finishes at the 2017 Ana Inspiration and 2020 British Open.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jul 17, 2026; Southport, ENG; Bryson DeChambeau reacts after making a birdie on the 18th hole during the second round of The Open Championship golf tournament at Royal Birkdale. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Bryson DeChambeau Rules Violation Creates Chaos at The Open

DeChambeau was assessed a two-stroke penalty after the second round.

WNBA Union Blasts Chicago Sky For Yet Another Facility Delay

The facility has been delayed multiple times since being announced in 2024.
Golf - The 154th Open Championship - Royal Birkdale Golf Club, Southport, Britain - July 16, 2026 Spectators during the first round

For Fans at The Open, Golf and Alcohol Don’t Mix Easily

At The Open, alcohol sales start at 10 a.m. each day.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

A Conversation with MLS Commissioner Don Garber on World Cup, Messi, Future & More

0:00

Featured Today

Tom's Watch Bar

Sports Bars Are Cashing In From Summer of Soccer

The World Cup has brought a windfall to America’s biggest sports bars.
Jun 16, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; France forward Michael Olise (11) controls the ball against Senegal during a Group I match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at New York New Jersey Stadium
July 16, 2026

Where World Cup Stars Go to Customize Their Cleats

The world’s best players turn to a Scottish craftsman for perfect cleats.
July 10, 2026

What the World Cup Means to Erling Haaland’s Tiny Hometown

The tournament’s breakout star is from a rural Norwegian town.
July 10, 2026

Why So Many Media Outlets Are Rushing Into Sports

Sports coverage has ballooned in every corner of media.
Pillow Fight Championship
July 8, 2026

How Obscure Sports Get Mainstream TV Deals

For niche sports, getting on TV often matters more than getting paid.
July 13, 2026

NBA Execs Split on Where LeBron James Will End Up

James will play a record 24th NBA season. 
July 14, 2026

DeChambeau Has Last Chance at 2026 Major Cut—With 3D-Printed Irons

LIV Golf’s biggest star continues to stay busy off the course.
Sponsored

Clase Azul Tequila Founder’s Soccer Ownership

Arturo Lomeli talks about managing a tequila brand and two soccer clubs.
Cycling - Tour de France - Stage 9 - Malemort to Ussel - Malemort, France - July 12, 2026 UAE Team Emirates - XRG's Tadej Pogacar wearing the yellow jersey, UAE Team Emirates - XRG's Isaac Del Toro wearing the white jersey and Team Visma | Lease a Bike's Jonas Vingegaard wearing the polka-dot jersey in action as a spectator dressed in a costume cheers on during stage 9
July 13, 2026

Tadej Pogačar Says Heat Demands Tour de France Overhaul

Stage 9 was cut by 18.6 miles under a red alert.
July 12, 2026

Sinner Defeats Zverev at Wimbledon, Claims $4.8M Prize

Sinner won his first Grand Slam tournament of the year.
July 11, 2026

Ohtani, Judge Both Out of MLB All-Star Game

The two superstars will miss the midseason showcase.
July 11, 2026

White Sox Take UCLA’s Roch Cholowsky No. 1 in Draft

The White Sox selected the two-time Big Ten player of the year.