"I wasn't able to make perfect swings due to my shoulder injury, but I overcame it with my putting."
Lee Mi-hyang (33, Volvik), who lifted an LPGA Tour trophy for the first time in 8 years and 8 months, cited her improved putting ability as the most powerful driving force behind her dramatic victory in a phone interview with Seoul Economic Daily on the 9th.
Lee finished with an 11-under-par 277 at the Blue Bay LPGA final round at Jian Lake Blue Bay Golf Club (par 72) in Hainan, China, the previous day. She edged out Zhang Weiwei of China by one stroke to claim the title. It was her third career LPGA Tour victory.
Reflecting on her winning moment, Lee said, "It felt so surreal that I thought, 'Is this even real?' This is the most special victory among all my wins."
She had endured difficult times competing on tour without a main sponsor since the 2025 season, but her relentless efforts brought her back to the top. Lee won the tournament wearing a cap featuring the logo of total fashion brand "Verutum" instead of a main sponsor's logo.
Throughout this tournament, Lee battled a shoulder injury sustained at the Kroger Queen City Championship in September 2025. The muscle tear was serious enough to require extended rehabilitation and sufficient rest, but she pushed through to compete early this season.
"My shoulder started hurting again from the HSBC Women's World Championship right before this event. The pain was severe, but I gritted my teeth and played, thinking I would just get through this tournament," Lee said. "I received putting lessons from coach Kim Se-min during the off-season, and the effects really showed this time."
Having shed the burden of her long winless streak, Lee's next goal is "a healthy, long career." She said, "Achieving the victory I so desperately wanted has put my mind at ease. After successfully completing my injury treatment and rehabilitation, I want to compete healthily on tour until I retire."