Golf Australia confirmed today both the siblings from Perth will tee it up in the historic first mixed-gender Open at Melbourne’s Victoria and Kingston Heath Golf Clubs from December 1 to 4.

With men, women and All Abilities players all competing on the same stages at the same time, the Open will return after two years’ absence with its most inclusive format ever, as well as a cracking field.

The Lees will join the likes of Cameron Smith, Adam Scott, Hannah Green, Marc Leishman, Steph Kyriacou, Karrie Webb, Lucas Herbert, Cam Davis, Matt Jones and AIG Women’s Open winner Ashleigh Buhai in the field, as well as a host of DP World Tour players as part of the co-sanctioning agreement in place for the men’s tournament. The men’s and women’s tournaments will run concurrently with equal prizemoney of $1.7 million each.

Former Karrie Webb Scholarship holder Minjee Lee is currently ranked No. 3 in the world having won majors in both the past two years on the women’s circuit, highlighted by her victory at Pine Needles Golf Club in North Carolina in June this year at the US Women’s Open – the biggest tournament in women’s golf with a $US 10 million prize pool.

The 26-year-old from Royal Fremantle Golf Club has been ranked as high as No. 2 this year, and the world No. 1 ranking remains on her radar as she rounds out 2022 playing before her home crowd. She has won more than $US3.7 million this season on the LPGA Tour, No.1 on the money list and also No.1 on the Race to CME Globe points race, with the season finale to come later this year.

She has never won the Women’s Australian Open despite being in contention on numerous occasions in eight attempts, with a best finish of third at Royal Adelaide in 2017. As a 17-year-old amateur in 2014, at Victoria, she was tied for the lead through 54 holes, but faded late to finish T-11 leaving the way clear for the great Karrie Webb to win her fifth Open crown.

Minjee Lee poses with the Women's U.S Open trophy. PHOTO: Getty Images.

However, she has won eight times on the LPGA Tour including two majors – one of just four Australian women to secure a major championship.

Younger brother Min Woo Lee, 24, is No.66 in the world ranking having won twice on the DP World Tour at the Vic Open and the Scottish Open in recent years. His performances in the majors in 2022 have given a strong indication of what could lay ahead for the talented West Australian – he was T-14 at the Masters in April and T-21 in the 150th Open Championship at St. Andrews in July when Cameron Smith grabbed the big headlines.

"I’m really pleased that I can have a crack at the Open which is high on my list of priorities and, of course, to try and earn bragging rights over my sister who’s making it quite hard for me to keep up!" – Min Woo Lee

Both the Lees kickstarted their careers by winning US Junior Amateur titles (Minjee in 2012 and Min Woo in 2016); both have won Vic Open titles (Minjee in 2014-18 and Min Woo in 2019) and both are coached by Ritchie Smith at Royal Fremantle Golf Club.

“In many ways, the Lees represent what we’ve set out to achieve in Australian Golf,” Golf Australia Chief Executive, James Sutherland, said today.

“They’re sister and brother, they came through the system and graduated to become superstars.

“Not everyone has their talent, of course, but it’s what we want golf to be about. We want it to be inclusive, we want it to be everyone’s game, we already know that it’s a family sport.

“That’s why the format for this year’s Open is new and refreshed, and it’s tremendously exciting to have both Minjee and Min Woo, whom we’re extremely proud of, back at home and playing. We think that people will get right behind them in Melbourne this year.”

Min Woo Lee in action and contention at the Spanish Open. PHOTO: Getty Images.

Minjee Lee said: “I’m always happy to play the Australian Open and it’s a championship that I’d be honoured to win. Everyone would love to win their national Open, and to have the chance to play alongside Min Woo just adds to the excitement for that week in Melbourne.”

Min Woo Lee said: “I’m really pleased that I can have a crack at the Open which is high on my list of priorities and, of course, to try and earn bragging rights over my sister who’s making it quite hard for me to keep up! She’s had phenomenal success, I’m very proud of her and I’ll be so happy to get out on course with her in December.”

"It's going to be amazing," Min Woo added. "I haven't had that much experience in Melbourne and I'm really looking forward.

"And this format, hopefully it we play back-to-back groups we might get some pretty good crowds and it will be good for my mum and dad, who can watch both groups."

The ISPS HANDA Australian Open is supported by the Victorian Government through Visit Victoria. It will feature not only the men’s and women’s Opens but the Australian All Abilities Championship, contested by 12 of the best golfers in the world with a disability.

Tickets, Hospitality and VIP Experiences are on sale via Ticketek now.