Min Woo Lee leads Tour Championship after blistering first round

Min Woo Lee, nicknamed 'The Chef,' delivered a stunning performance at the Tour Championship, firing an 8-under-par 62 to seize the lead in his debut at the prestigious event.

The Australian golfer's round at East Lake in Atlanta put him two shots ahead of rivals Viktor Hovland, Collin Morikawa, and Chris Gotterup. World number one Scottie Scheffler is among a group at 5-under, while fellow Australian Adam Scott is a further shot back after a 66.

Lee's performance was a dramatic turnaround after a difficult start to the PGA Tour playoffs, where he experienced two mediocre finishes. "Very average two weeks the last two weeks. It was probably the saddest I've been on the golf course, which is not good," Lee admitted. He expressed gratitude for being in the playoffs and playing well.

“

Very average two weeks the last two weeks. It was probably the saddest I've been on the golf course, which is not good.

Known for his viral catchphrase "let him cook," Lee found the right recipe on Friday, capitalizing on a rain-softened course. He recorded eight birdies, four on each nine, including a strong finish with birdies on his final four holes. This performance matches his career-low best total on the Tour.

Veteran golfer Adam Scott also showed strong form, carding a 66. The 2006 Tour Championship winner made five birdies with a single bogey, placing him tied for ninth. Scott continues to hold the record for the most consecutive major championship starts at 101.

“

We're really lucky to be out here and play some good golf to get into the playoffs. It just felt so hard.