By: Max Bechtoldt
While Jin Young Ko has dominated the Founders Cup more than any other player, Minjee Lee is absolutely second in line.
Since the Cognizant Founders Cup moved to Upper Montclair Country Club in 2021, Lee has finished in the top 25 in all three playings. She won her seventh-career tournament at the course in 2022 and took Ko to a playoff in 2023.
Lee’s 2024 season has been erratic at best. While she got a top five finish at the Blue Bay LPGA, she has missed the cut in her last three stroke play starts. In particular, her second round +5 at the Chevron Championship was tough to watch. Lee had four missed cuts total between 2021 and 2023.
Lee was No. 4 in the Rolex Rankings entering the year, but has fallen five spots already. For the first time in years she is no longer the highest ranked Australian in the world, with the strong play of Hannah Green.
Lee can bounce back strong in New Jersey this week. When she is at her best, she is still one of the most skilled and consistent players on the LPGA Tour. At a course she is clearly comfortable on, this could be the week to turn her season around.
