HOUSTON (AP) — In a moment that showcased both skill and composure, Min Woo Lee triumphed at the Houston Open on Sunday, securing his first PGA Tour victory. Lee held off strong challenges from both Scottie Scheffler and Gary Woodland, culminating in a nail-biting finish that saw him clinch the title with a final par that left him one shot ahead of the competition.

The highlight of Lee’s remarkable performance came on the 18th hole, where a breathtaking 55-foot putt came tantalizingly close to sinking in, leaving him only a tap-in to finish with a score of 3-under 67. His final total of 20-under 260 not only earned him the title but also broke the tournament record by four shots.

“It’s hard — it’s really hard,” said Lee, who expressed both gratitude and exhaustion after the round. “Scottie is a wonderful golfer, and he keeps you on your toes. I’m glad I got it done. It was a lot of mental grind. I’m so proud of how I handled myself.”

The tension escalated as Lee found himself battling pressure after a swing that led to a bogey on the par-5 16th hole. Despite leading by five shots on the back nine, Woodland surged back with an incredible finish, playing his last four holes at 4-under par and matching the Memorial Park course record with a stunning 62. Scheffler, preparing to defend his Masters title, also made a late charge, stringing together four consecutive birdies before closing with a 63.

The 26-year-old Lee is no stranger to success; he previously won three times on the European Tour and once on the Asian Tour. This win marks him as the fifth player in 2023 to achieve his first victory on the PGA Tour, joining an elite group of his peers.

Woodland's impressive second-place finish is especially meaningful as it follows his recent battle with health issues, having undergone brain surgery to remove a tumor in September 2023. This performance bolsters his standing as he seeks to extend his exemption year after winning the 2019 U.S. Open.

As for Scheffler, who watched with quiet enthusiasm as Lee celebrated his victory, he acknowledged his desire to apply pressure: “I was hoping to be able to do that on the front nine. I just wasn't able to get off to a good enough start. But Min Woo played some really good golf, and he just beat us this week.”

Rory McIlroy, a major name in golf, finished strong with a 64 despite some early and late bogeys, setting his sights on preparing for Augusta National in the hopes of completing the career Grand Slam.

In another significant storyline, both Michael Kim and Ben Griffin competed fiercely for a chance to qualify for the Masters. Kim's performance allowed him to tie for 32nd place and finish right at the cusp of the top 50 in world rankings.

With this victory, Lee not only secures his place in the upcoming Masters but also paves his way into the spotlight for future $20 million signature events this season. As Woodland noted, “Everyone out here knows how talented the kid is. He’s an absolute stud. Once you break through, the sky's the limit.”

The Houston Open served not just as a platform for Lee’s remarkable achievement but as a thrilling reminder of the unpredictable and intense nature of professional golf.