GOLF.AI • Nov 25, 2025

Process Over Prize: Lee's Overhaul

For rising star Min Woo Lee, his maiden PGA Tour victory in March wasn't the career catalyst he'd hoped for—it was a trap. In a moment of refreshing honesty, Lee admitted that success led him astray, causing him to become too "result-orientated." Now, returning home for the Australian swing, Lee is revealing the details of a complete offseason overhaul, a story of how a young athlete learned that the process is far more important than the prize.

Following his win, Lee confessed to getting lost in the whirlwind of expectations. "I just didn't reset, didn't write my goals," he said. "You win, take a week off, and then the Masters is right there, and then you want to win that one... I was a little result-orientated and not too process driven. That's one thing I learned from this year." This candid admission highlights the mental pitfalls that can accompany sudden success on sport's biggest stage.

Recognizing the need for a change, Lee's reset has been both mental and physical. He has spent the latter half of the year rebuilding his swing with coach Ritchie Smith and has also physically transformed, intentionally bulking up to get stronger. "I've gained a lot of kilos just to get stronger," Lee noted, signaling a holistic commitment to rebuilding his game from the ground up.

This new approach is built on a foundation of discipline and focus on the small details. "Now I'm focusing on the process, the boring stuff, but that's what the best players do," Lee explained. This shift in mindset from chasing trophies to mastering his craft provides a powerful insight into the elite athlete's journey toward sustainable success. It's a relatable narrative of focus, goal-setting, and self-awareness that resonates far beyond the golf course.

As he prepares to defend his Australian PGA Championship title, Min Woo Lee presents a compelling new storyline. No longer just the exciting young gun, he is an athlete who has faced the challenges of success head-on and emerged with a deeper understanding of what it takes to truly compete at the highest level.