The Chef Min Woo Lee Cooks & JT Does JT Things at The Players
The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass delivered a wild second round, and two names stood out: Min Woo Lee and Justin Thomas. From Lee’s steady dominance to JT’s historic comeback, Friday’s round was nothing short of electric.
Min Woo Lee’s Clutch Performance
Known as the “Chef” on social media, Min Woo Lee turned up the heat in the kitchen on Friday. The Aussie has been building momentum all season, and his second-round 66 (-6) proved he’s here to make a statement. The Chef is 11-under, sitting right at the top of the leaderboard heading into the weekend.
What’s working for him? Dialed-in irons and a killer short game. Lee expertly navigated TPC Sawgrass and he seems to have learned a big lesson from his 2023 run at this tournament, when he faltered in the final round. This time he is keeping his foot on the gas.
“I'm in a better position mentally and physically,” Lee said post-round. “I've learned from my mistakes, and I’m just trying to enjoy the moment.”
And enjoy it he should—because TPC Sawgrass isn’t an easy ride. The famous 17th hole (yes, the island green) is always a nerve-wrecker, but Lee handled it like a boss.
Justin Thomas Sets and Ties Records with INSANE Comeback
Then there’s Justin Thomas. What. A. Round.
JT walked off the course on Thursday in shambles after an opening-round 78 (+6). Most guys would be thinking about booking their flight home early.
Not JT.
He came out on Friday and lit up the course with an 11-under 62, tying the course record and setting a PGA Tour record for the biggest turnaround between two rounds (+16 shots!).
Let’s put this into perspective:
- Thursday: Looked lost.
- Friday: Looked like prime JT valting up the leaderboard.
“I was really down last night,” JT admitted. “Had a heart-to-heart with my wife, and she just reminded me of why I do this. That helped me reset.”
11 birdies later, he made the cut comfortably. From almost packing his bags to one of the greatest bounce-backs in PGA history—just another day in the life of Justin Thomas.
What’s Next?
The weekend won’t be easy. Forecasts are calling for 15-25 mph winds, which means things are about to get even tougher.
Lee is playing like a guy who’s ready to win his first big PGA Tour event, but the field is stacked. Can he hold off the pressure? Will JT ride this momentum into contention?
Final Thoughts from Trouble Off The Tee
We’ve ALL had rounds like JT’s Thursday meltdown. But hey, golf is about the grind. That’s why at Trouble Off The Tee, we’re here to celebrate every golfer who’s ever hit one OB, drained an impossible putt, or walked away with a par after a wayward tee shot.
Because in golf—and in life—you just keep swinging.
-Marty Midian