Lee Narrowly Misses Out on Olympic Medal

Golf: Women’s Individual Stroke Play
Athlete: Minjee Lee
Venue: Olympic Golf Course

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Minjee Lee has narrowly missed out on Australia’s first Olympic medal in golf with Korea’s Inbee Park deservedly claiming gold after the final round of the women’s individual stroke play.

 

Lee fired a 67 that included six birdies in the final 14 holes, however the 20-year-old will rue two missed birdie putts on 16 and 17 that effectively ruled her out of medal contention. A tough 30 foot eagle putt on the par five 18th was missed which made it mathematically impossible to catch the golfers in third spot, though Lee did make the birdie to finish a highly creditable eight under par overall.

 

Lee was proud of her efforts over the four days but was left to reflect on missed opportunities late on in the fourth and final round.

 

“I think I could have made the putts on 16 and 17 – but you know that’s golf and you can’t win them all. But I do feel I have made Australia proud and I feel pretty good. I hit the ball good, I putted well. So I’m pretty confident going into the next couple of weeks.”

 

Lee added: “On the back nine I just told myself I had to play well and give myself a lot of chances. I probably couldn’t have done much better than what I did today.

 

“I’m better when I’m under the pump but I gave it my all. And even though I came up a little short, I’m happy.”

 

“Brazil isn’t a huge golfing nation but it was pleasing to see a lot more people come out for the last two days. In four years’ time it will be played in Japan which is a good golfing nation so we’ll look forward to playing there in front of some really strong crowds.”

 

GOLF FINAL SCOREBOARD:
1 I Park (KOR) -16
2 L Ko (NZL) -11
3 S Feng (CHN) -10
3 players T4 on -9
T8 M Lee (AUS) -8

T13 S Oh (AUS) -5

 

Steve Stammers
olympics.com.au