2025 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship: A Test of Tenacity at PGA Frisco

FRISCO, Texas — The 2025 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at PGA Frisco has unveiled itself as a true test of resilience for the world’s best golfers. After a grueling third round that stretched beyond six hours, players emerged from the course physically and mentally exhausted. Wind, heat, and firm greens combined to create a battleground where only the strongest contenders remained steady amid chaos.

Nelly Korda, currently ranked the world’s number one, articulated the struggle succinctly in her post-round interview. After shooting an even-par 72, Korda noted, “Trust me, it’s so brutal out here. It’s definitely testing you.” This sentiment was echoed by Ruoning Yin, who also admired the challenging conditions of the course, remarking, “Was brutal out there.” Another noteworthy performance was from Yeahlimi Noh, who, despite shooting a 74 with two eagles, described the day as “crazy.”

As the day progressed, it became clear that for many, the pressure was becoming unbearable. Lexi Thompson started her round with a catastrophic triple-bogey following a topped second shot and a shanked third into a penalty area. Such mishaps caused nerves to fray, evidencing just how tough conditions had become. However, amidst this turmoil, one golfer stood unfazed — Minjee Lee.

Lee began the day three shots behind the 36-hole leader Jeeno Thitikul, yet she approached the course with poise and composure. Her first par on the par-5 hole set the tone for her round, and subsequent pars led to an eventual birdie on the ninth hole. While competitors floundered, Lee maintained an unwavering resolve, demonstrating that she possesses the mental fortitude necessary for success at major championships.

By the time they reached the 14th hole, Lee had turned a three-shot deficit into a one-shot lead over Thitikul. Following a birdie on the 14th, Lee showcased her exceptional short game once again, achieving another birdie on the 15th. This remarkable performance left her an impressive four shots ahead of her closest competition by the end of her round.

Lee wrapped up her third round with a tranquil finish, maintaining her focus to post a standout score of 69 — a staggering seven strokes better than the field average. Her stats were equally impressive, hitting 66 percent of her fairways and 12 greens in regulation and achieving commendable strokes gained through her exceptional putting skills. “I think I played really well within myself today,” she stated, emphasizing her patience under pressure.

The championship is not new territory for Lee. She has faced similar high-stress scenarios in past major tournaments including her dramatic lead at the 2022 U.S. Women’s Open and her thrilling playoff battle during the 2021 Evian. With her extensive experience in the spotlight, she understands the difficulty of maintaining composure on a final round of a major. “I mean, major Sunday is like no other,” she noted, indicating her readiness for the challenge ahead.

Lee’s performance amidst the chaos at PGA Frisco provided a stark contrast to her competitors, many of whom left the course battered by the physical demands and the mental challenges that came with the conditions. While Korda fought back to even par and Thompson narrowly survived her nightmarish start, the day belonged largely to Lee, who successfully withstood the storm, both literally and metaphorically.

As she heads into the final round, Lee’s four-shot lead puts her in an advantageous position, but she remains aware of the precarious nature of golf. “We still have tomorrow to go,” she reminded herself, emphasizing a focus on the task ahead rather than the comfort of her lead.

KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at PGA Frisco has offered a gripping narrative of human endurance and skill, and as the tournament nears its conclusion, it’s clear the final round will be a culmination of lessons learned, resilience tested, and a final chance for victory. All eyes will be on Lee as she seeks to secure her third major title, and with the unpredictable nature of golf, anything can happen in the final 18 holes.

Stay tuned as we follow every swing, putt, and moment of tension during the exciting conclusion to the 2025 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship!