'Happy vibes': Aussie aces Lee, Ruffels fire at major

Yahoo

2 days ago

Minjee Lee is at it again, thrusting herself into contention for back-to-back major titles with a fine start to the Evian Championship in France.
Two weeks after claiming the Women's PGA Championship in Texas, Lee opened with a five-under-par 66 to be sitting just one stroke behind a trio of first-round clubhouse leaders.
One of those pacesetters is Lee's fellow Australian Gabriela Ruffels, who opened with a bogey-free six-under 65 on Thursday to join Ireland's Leona Maguire and American Andrea Lee atop the leaderboard.
It's only early days but the leaders could be forgiven for already looking over their shoulders anxiously at the resurgent Lee.
Gabi Ruffels takes a share of the lead with this birdie 🐦Watch first round action now on @GolfChannel pic.twitter.com/XZpfoOSDUa
— LPGA (@LPGA) July 10, 2025
After enduring the longest winless run in her decorated career, a 20-month title drought, Lee has burst back to life since switching to a broomstick putter this season.
Returning to the scene of the first of her three major championship triumphs, the 29-year-old rolled in another six birdies in the beautiful French alps bordering Switzerland.
Lee was safely in the clubhouse in a tie for fourth spot after finishing with a flurry, picking up four shots in her last seven holes after teeing off from the 10th.
Ominously, the West Australian said she was feeling mentally recharged following a well-earned fortnight's break since claiming the third leg of women's golf's fabled career grand slam.
"It's been really good to have the last two weeks off. The first week was a little more hectic doing a few media commitments and going out and celebrating," Lee said.
"Just good laughs, good food, good company, couple drinks here and there - as you do.
"So I've had the past week to just be relaxed and do some practice and get ready for Evian."
Minjee Lee closes out her opening round with a birdie 👊She's just one back from the lead heading into the clubhouse pic.twitter.com/lK1ffUnGhP
— LPGA (@LPGA) July 10, 2025
Lee famously rallied from seven shots back to win the event in 2021.
So it should come as no surprise that she is riding the "happy vibes" from such a memorable comeback win.
"Obviously playing each hole, I can kind of reflect and think back at what happened that round," said the world No.6.
"You know, just gives me good energy and just, yeah, happy vibes, I guess."