There is no shortage of potentially huge moments for Australian golf at the final major of the year, the AIG Women’s Open, held this week on the demanding links of Royal Porthcawl Golf Club in Wales.
Among the many storylines already emerging are a record nine Australians in the field (part of a growing LPGA Tour wave), a chance at a third-straight women’s major for that group, and perhaps most tantalisingly, a shot at the career grand slam for Minjee Lee.
It feels strange to call them veterans, but Minjee Lee and Hannah Green - aged just 29 and 28 respectively - are the senior figures of the Aussie contingent. Green remains one of the generation’s top-tier players, having broken through with her major win six years ago. Lee started slower, but now holds three majors, the most recent of which came at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship two starts ago.
Though the LPGA recognises five women’s majors, only four are required for a career grand slam. Lee already owns three of them. A win at either the AIG Women’s Open or the Chevron Championship would elevate her to that elite category and all but assure a future Hall of Fame induction.
It’s a goal well within her sights.
“I mean, all the majors are a great motivator for me,” Lee told Australian media this week in Wales. “So yes, I definitely want to win it at some stage and be able to get the career grand slam. That would be absolutely amazing.”
She’ll need to conquer the classic links test of Porthcawl, where long rough, deep bunkers, and blind shots present a formidable challenge. Fortunately, Lee’s British form is strong - seven top-25 finishes, five of them in the top 10.
“I think it's going to be a really great challenge. You have to be really strong off the tee,” said the Royal Fremantle product. “There’s a lot of shots that go up into the air and the green's a little bit lower, so you can't really see where they land.”
“It just feels like it's going to be a great trip; just a good test.”
That test comes with a loaded field, headlined by world No.1 Nelly Korda. Even being the top Aussie this week will be a tough task during what is increasingly looking like a golden era for Australian women’s golf.
“I think so,” Lee said when asked if she felt part of a special era. Her worst finish at a major this year is T22.
“Kind of feels like more of a full-circle moment now. I mean, I've seen them since their amateur and junior days, and now they're on Tour with me. So no, it's really great to see them all doing well and settling down on the Tour.”
All four rounds of the AIG Women’s Open will be broadcast live on Fox Sports and Kayo.
