Aussie Cult Hero Rages Over 18th Hole Meltdown Amid $5M Cheating Storm
Min Woo Lee’s performance at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am took a dramatic turn during the third round, culminating in a visible display of frustration. After a disappointing finish, Lee, 27, threw his golf ball into the Pacific Ocean, expressing his discontent following two bogeys that cost him a stronger position on the leaderboard.
A Frustrating Finish for Min Woo Lee
Starting the day with promise, Lee had initially surged with an eagle at the par 5 14th hole. However, a bogey at the par 3 17th and an unfortunate series of mishaps on the final hole saw him fall to 14-under par, sharing seventh place overall, five strokes behind leader Akshay Bhatia, who is at 19-under.
- Min Woo Lee’s score: 14-under par
- Current position: Tied for 7th place
- Shifts from eagle at 14 to two bogeys in late play
Drama on the 18th Hole
Lee’s troubles peaked on the par 5 18th, where a wayward drive landed among bushes. After dropping the ball and struggling off a cart path, Lee found himself in a greenside bunker. He failed to convert a lengthy putt for par, leading to frustration that culminated in him throwing his ball into the ocean.
Controversy Surrounding Leader Akshay Bhatia
Akshay Bhatia, leader of the tournament, faced his share of issues despite maintaining his top position. The American golfer’s group encountered significant delays, taking about 35 minutes to complete the 18th hole, primarily due to the challenging wind conditions that affected all players.
- Akshay Bhatia’s score: 19-under par
- Controversy: Accusations of illegal anchoring with a broomstick putter
Weather Impact on Play
The unpredictable weather played a crucial role throughout the tournament. Tee times for the final round were shifted earlier due to predictions of afternoon storms and strong winds. Despite challenging conditions, players like Collin Morikawa and Tommy Fleetwood managed remarkable performances.
Standout Performers
Collin Morikawa made headlines by shooting a spectacular ten-under par 62, moving him up the leaderboard significantly. His successful round featured 11 birdies, showcasing his exceptional ball-striking skills as he aimed for his first win since 2023.
- Collin Morikawa’s score: 17-under par
- Morikawa’s round performance: 10-under par 62
- Best round of the day
Other players, such as Australia’s Jason Day, also made the cut, holding a tie for 31st at 10-under after another solid round.
Final Round Outlook
As the tournament progresses towards its final round, golfers will face the challenge of difficult weather. Players teeing off between 2:22 AM and 4:45 AM AEDT will need to adapt quickly if they hope to secure victory and the $5 million winner’s prize.
Fans eagerly await to see if Lee can recover from his earlier missteps or if Bhatia can withstand the mounting pressure amid ongoing scrutiny regarding his putting technique.
