Minjee Lee is eyeing more majors and Olympic glory as Australia's highest-ranked golfer tees it up for the first time this year at the prestigious Women's World Championship in Singapore.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Lee hasn't played since finishing runner-up at the Australian Open in Sydney in early December.
The world No.4 has spent the past two months tweaking her swing to adapt to an equipment change after switching from Srixon to Callaway in a multi-million-dollar deal.
Lee hopes the change-up will help her strike gold in Paris in August after nominating the 2024 Games and the year's five women's majors as her season priorities.
"Obviously it's a big year with the Olympics, and all the majors. They are always on the top of my priority list," the 27-year-old said ahead of her eagerly-awaited return to the LPGA Tour.
"I always want to be playing well in those and contending.
"In terms of this week, obviously I would like to contend and get the trophy on Sunday. It is one of the best events.
"But I'm not going to put too much pressure on myself or put too many expectations. I just want to go out there and have fun."
After an unusually lacklustre start to 2023, Lee finished last year with a bag, winning twice, posting two seconds, two more top-eight finishes and a tie for 13th in her last seven tournaments.
"I had a really great finish to the year, and I was really hoping for that, too. I didn't really have the quick start to the year last year," she said.
"So, yeah, it was really nice to finish off with some confidence and a couple wins there and some good finishes.
"Hopefully I can keep the good momentum going into the start of this year and the rest of the year."
Lee also has a fine record at the Tanjong Course at Sentosa Golf Club, boasting two runner-up showings and a joint sixth from her past three visits.
"I love everything about Singapore," the Perth ace said.
"I love the food. The hospitality is really great here and the course, I think it speaks for itself.
"It's always in great condition. Singapore is a great stop on our tour."
The $US1.8 million ($A2.75 million) event features an elite 66-player field, with no cut.
Joining Lee are fellow Australians Hannah Green, Grace Kim, Steph Kyriacou and Sarah Kemp.
Lee will play the first two rounds in a marquee grouping with in-form New Zealander Lydia Ko and Thailand's last-start winner Patty Tavatanakit.
Australian Associated Press
