LA QUINTA, Calif. — Min Woo Lee is making his first start in the American Express this week, and it is the Australian star’s first start as a full member of the PGA Tour after playing much of last year on a temporary membership. So far, Lee likes what he sees in the desert.
“The weather’s unbelievable. It’s my first time in America this time of the year, which is weird, I guess,” he said. “I was in Vancouver last week and I saw snow for the first time, outside the car, so that was pretty cool. Normally, I’m in Australia or Dubai where it’s 100 degrees, so it’s quite nice to, I guess, see a white Christmas.”
As for the tournament’s reputation for having low scores, Lee said he generally plays well after a break like he’s had after winning two tournaments late in the year on the DP World Tour, including the Australian Open.
“I’m really excited. This week’s going to be fun. I know it’s, there’s a lot of birdies and the scoring’s really low, so it’s, I guess it’s a nice easier (start), in a way, but you still got to play really well, and hit your drives well and wedge it close. So, like Jon Rahm said, it’s a putting contest and, yeah, if you get on the green, hopefully you hole some putts.”
American Express: Photos | Friday tee times
Rahm was caught disparaging the tournament a few years ago in a viral video, calling the event a “putting contest.” When Rahm won the event for the second time, he opened his press conference by saying he was glad he had won the putting contest.
Lee shot 7-under 65 Thursday and is tied for 14th entering the second round.
