In a dramatic turn of events at the AIG Women’s Open, golf fans witnessed a heart-stopping moment that unfolded on the course, leaving spectators and players alike in shock. Charley Hull, renowned for her powerful drives, almost unintentionally turned her swing into a near disaster when her ball veered wildly off-course, nearly striking fellow competitor Minjee Lee during the third round. The incident, which could have ended in tragedy, instead became a testament to Lee’s resilience and focus.
Hull’s shot, initially appearing to be heading into the rough, instead took a dangerous trajectory, bouncing perilously close to Minjee Lee as she prepared to tee off on the 17th. The crowd’s collective gasp and the video footage shared by NUCLR Golf on social media captured the tension of the moment perfectly. The ball, moving at a frightening speed, narrowly missed the Australian star, who maintained her composure despite the close call.
In a post-round interview, Minjee Lee recounted the harrowing experience. When asked whether she was aware of the incoming ball, she explained,
“Yeah, I’m glad it bounced big because it flew straight over me. Some lady or man called out for a left, so I was like, oh, it’s not coming this way, but it came right over me. It was trying to take me out.” Her calm demeanor and ability to handle the situation with grace were evident as she continued to play undeterred.
The unexpected event added a rare chapter to golfing history, as such occurrences are seldom seen on the green. Despite having faced significant health challenges in previous events, Charley Hull’s return to form was overshadowed by this errant shot. Meanwhile, Minjee Lee stayed focused on her goal of capturing the coveted career Grand Slam, undeterred by the incident.
Lee’s performance, despite the interruption, was nothing short of remarkable. She is no stranger to success, having already secured three major titles, with her latest triumph at the Women’s PGA Championship in 2025. As she navigated the tournament, Lee’s determination shone through, even as she encountered this unprecedented obstacle on the 17th. Her round ended with a composed par, showcasing her mental fortitude.
Throughout the tournament, Lee exhibited a mix of skill and resilience. Her first round showed promise with a combination of birdies and bogeys, positioning her at -2. Although she faced challenges in the second round, scoring +4, Lee’s indomitable spirit was on full display as she clawed back with a stellar performance in the third round. Recording multiple birdies and overcoming minor setbacks, she closed the round at 4 under 68, securing a spot at T20, just eight strokes behind the leader, Yamashita.
As the final round looms, all eyes are on Minjee Lee to see if she can maintain her focus and achieve the elusive career Grand Slam. Her form and composure suggest that she is more than capable of rising to the occasion. Golf enthusiasts around the world are eagerly awaiting the outcome, with anticipation building for what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the tournament. Share your thoughts on Lee’s impressive journey and her chances of making history in the comments below.
