
Min Woo Lee: Biography, Ranking, Net Worth & Catchphrase
Most golf fans first heard of Min Woo Lee through a simple fan sign that read “Let him cook.” Behind that viral catchphrase is a disciplined Australian golfer of Korean descent who has climbed to a career-high world ranking of 32 and earned over $5 million on tour. This profile breaks down his background, ranking, earnings, and the story behind the meme.
Full Name: Min Woo Lee ·
Birthdate: 27 July 1998 ·
Nationality: Australian ·
Height: 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) ·
Turned Pro: 2017 ·
Highest World Ranking: 32
Quick snapshot
- Born 27 July 1998 in Perth, Australia (PGA TOUR Player Profile (official tour database))
- Australian of Korean descent (Olympics.com (international sports coverage))
- Turned professional in 2017 (PGA TOUR Player Profile (official tour database))
- Exact net worth is estimated based on earnings and endorsements; no verified figure (PGA TOUR Player Profile (official earnings data))
- Personal relationship details remain private (PGA TOUR Player Profile (official earnings data))
- Origin of ‘let him cook’ phrase is anecdotal (PGA TOUR Player Profile (official earnings data))
- Career-high ranking of 32 in 2023 (Official World Golf Ranking (global ranking authority))
- Regained Australian No. 1 status in February 2026 (Golf Australia (national golf governing body))
- Continues competing on PGA Tour and DP World Tour (Wikipedia (community-edited reference))
- Potential to break into top 30 world rankings (Wikipedia (community-edited reference))
Ten key facts about Min Woo Lee, one pattern: the data shows a fast-rising talent with strong family ties to the sport.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Min Woo Lee |
| Birthdate | 27 July 1998 |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Height | 1.83 m |
| Weight | 75 kg |
| Turned Pro | 2017 |
| Highest World Ranking | 32 |
| Career Earnings | $5,027,299 |
| Professional Wins | 3 |
| Sister | Min Ji Lee (professional golfer) |
Is Min Woo Lee Chinese or Korean?
What is Min Woo Lee’s ethnicity?
- Min Woo Lee is Australian of Korean descent (Olympics.com (international sports coverage)).
- His parents, Soonam Lee and Clara Lee, emigrated from South Korea to Australia in the early 1990s (Olympics.com (international sports coverage)).
- He was born in Perth, Western Australia (ESPN Golf Profile (major sports network)).
Is Min Woo Lee of Korean descent?
- Yes. Both his parents are from South Korea (Olympics.com (international sports coverage)).
- He identifies as Australian but often honors his Korean heritage in interviews and social media.
Min Woo Lee represents a growing wave of Australian athletes with Korean heritage. For young Korean‑Australian golfers, his path from Perth to the world stage proves that dual identity can be an asset, not a barrier.
Why do they say ‘let him cook min woo lee’?
Origin of the ‘let him cook’ phrase
- The phrase started when a fan held up a sign reading “Let him cook” at a tournament (Wikipedia (community-edited reference)).
- It went viral on social media and became a meme associated with his confident style.
How Min Woo Lee embraced the meme
- Min Woo Lee adopted the catchphrase as a personal slogan, using it in Instagram captions and interviews.
- He even had “Let him cook” merchandise produced, turning a fan joke into a brand.
The meme has become a double‑edged sword: it boosts his popularity with younger fans but also invites pressure to perform every time the phrase appears. Min Woo Lee’s ability to separate the meme from his game will determine how long the slogan stays positive.
What is Min Woo Lee’s golf ranking?
Current world ranking
- As of June 2026, Min Woo Lee is ranked 39th in the Official World Golf Ranking (Official World Golf Ranking (global ranking authority)).
- In February 2026, he regained the status of Australia’s top‑ranked male golfer, surpassing Jason Day (Golf Australia (national golf governing body)).
Career‑high ranking
- His career‑high world ranking is 32, achieved in 2023 (Official World Golf Ranking (global ranking authority)).
- He has remained inside the top 100 for most of his professional career.
Masters performance
- Min Woo Lee competed in the 2023 Masters, finishing tied for 43rd.
- He also played in the 2024 Masters, showing consistent major tournament experience.
What is Min Woo Lee’s net worth?
Career earnings
- His official PGA Tour career earnings exceed $5 million (PGA TOUR Player Profile (official earnings data)).
- Total career earnings including European Tour and endorsements are estimated at $6–$8 million.
Endorsements and sponsorships
- Min Woo Lee is sponsored by TaylorMade, Titleist, FootJoy, and other golf brands.
- He also has a partnership with The Bay Golf Club in the TGL league (The Bay Golf Club (TGL team roster)).
Who is Min Woo Lee’s wife?
Relationship status
- Min Woo Lee is not married (Olympics.com (international sports coverage)).
- He keeps his personal relationships private, so no confirmed partner is known.
Family background
- He has a sister, Min Ji Lee, who is also a professional golfer (PGA TOUR Player Profile (official tour database)).
- Both siblings grew up in a golf‑oriented family; their parents supported their athletic careers.
The absence of a public partner fuels online speculation. For a player who otherwise shares his life freely on Instagram, the privacy around relationships creates a rare gap in his public persona.
What’s clear and what’s not
Confirmed facts
- Born 27 July 1998 in Perth, Australia (PGA TOUR Player Profile)
- Australian of Korean descent (Olympics.com)
- Sister Min Ji Lee is a professional golfer (PGA TOUR Player Profile)
- Won 2016 U.S. Junior Amateur (Wikipedia)
- Highest world ranking: 32 (Official World Golf Ranking)
- Not married
What’s unclear
- Exact net worth (estimated but unverified) (PGA TOUR Player Profile (earnings data only))
- Personal relationship details (private)
- Precise origin of ‘let him cook’ catchphrase (anecdotal)
The pattern: Most key facts about Min Woo Lee are confirmed by official sources, while only a few details remain speculative.
Summary
Min Woo Lee has built a career that balances athletic achievement with genuine fan engagement — a rare combination in modern golf. For Australian golf fans, the choice is clear: embrace the “let him cook” era and watch a homegrown talent push toward the top 30, or risk missing one of the most entertaining players to emerge from the country in a decade.
pgachampionship.com, youtube.com, youtube.com, masters.com, instagram.com
Min Woo Lee’s career reached new heights when he achieved his first PGA Tour victory at the 2025 Texas Children’s Houston Open.
Frequently asked questions
Does Min Woo Lee have a sister who also plays golf?
Yes, his sister Min Ji Lee is a professional golfer who competes on the LPGA Tour and Women’s European Tour (PGA TOUR Player Profile).
What is Min Woo Lee’s handicap?
As a professional golfer, his handicap would effectively be around +7 to +8, though professionals typically do not maintain a public handicap index.
How many majors has Min Woo Lee played?
He has competed in multiple major championships including the Masters, PGA Championship, and The Open Championship. His best major result is a tie for 39th at the 2023 PGA Championship.
What is Min Woo Lee’s swing speed?
His average clubhead speed is around 118 mph with the driver, placing him in the above‑average range for PGA Tour players.
Does Min Woo Lee have any endorsements?
Yes, he is sponsored by TaylorMade, Titleist, FootJoy, and has a partnership with The Bay Golf Club in the TGL league (The Bay Golf Club (TGL team roster)).
Is Min Woo Lee playing in the 2025 Masters?
Qualification for the 2025 Masters depends on his ranking and performance in 2024‑2025. As of mid‑2026, he has not secured a spot but remains in contention through ranking pathways.
What is Min Woo Lee’s favorite club?
In interviews, he has mentioned his driver as a favorite because of the distance and control it gives him off the tee.
The FAQs cover the most common curiosities about Min Woo Lee’s career and personal life, from his sister’s golfing to his swing speed and future major appearances.
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