THE rust has been cleared from Minjee Lee’s game and the young West Australian is now turning her attention to this week’s ISPS HANDA Women’s Australian Open at Royal Adelaide.
Lee made her first appearance for 2017 at the Oates Vic Open at Thirteenth Beach where the 2014 winner showed glimpses of brilliance in what turned out to be a frustrating three days for Australia’s No.1 player.
She slumped to as much as three-over early in her second round before rallying to finish three-under par at the end of the third day.
But it wasn’t enough for the 20-year-old to survive the tournament’s secondary cut for the final round.
The world number 17 was frustrated with her putting during the tournament and will focus on that part of her game in the build up to the Australian Open.
“I haven’t played competitively in a little so I’m just coming back into the swing of things. But I’m striking it pretty well and I feel like I gave myself a lot of (birdie) chances,” Lee said.
“But just made stupid mistakes here and there, that’s what really derailed me.”
It was her first tournament since finishing tied for 16th at the LPGA’s Tour Championship in mid-November.
She’s had a few practice rounds back home in Perth with her brother, promising young amateur Min Woo Lee, over her break.
Lee will reunite in Adelaide with her regular caddy after having the Victorian Institute of Sport’s strength and conditioning trainer Luke Mackie on her bag at the Vic Open.
Lee has played well in the last three Australian Opens, finishing tied for 11th (2014), tied for seventh (2015) and tied 20th last year.
“The Aussie Open is our national championship and every Australian wants to play well at their national championship,” Lee said.