Min Woo Lee found an unexpected mention at the Grant Thornton Invitational despite not being part of the field. One-time PGA Tour winner Michael S. Kim gave Lee a shoutout after making back-to-back chip-in birdies during the mixed-team event.

Kim is competing at Tiburón Golf Club alongside Rose Zhang. During the second round, the PGA Tour shared a clip on X showing Kim holing out twice from off the green in a three-hole stretch.

“Two chip-in birdies in three holes for @Mike_Kim714! 😤,” the PGA Tour captioned the video.

Kim later reshared the clip and referenced Lee by writing:

“Dr Chipinski answered in quick succession!”

Lee is widely known by the nickname “Dr. Chipinski,” a reference to his short-game ability particularly around the greens. The nickname has become part of his public image and is often linked to his “Let Him Cook” catchphrase.

At the Grant Thornton Invitational, Kim and Zhang posted a second-round 70 to sit tied for fourth at two under for the day. Lauren Coughlin and Andrew Novak held the lead after Saturday’s round. Kim’s second round included five birdies along with a bogey and a double bogey, leaving him at 16 under after two rounds.

Min Woo Lee has been one of the Tour’s stronger birdie makers this season, which explains Kim’s reference. PGA Tour data shows Lee is averaging 3.79 birdies per round and has made 250 birdies across 19 events.

Min Woo Lee shuts down LIV Golf speculation

Min Woo Lee has ruled out a move to LIV Golf and confirmed that he plans to stay on the PGA Tour. The Australian said he is settled on the Tour and is not considering a switch.

Lee addressed the speculation while speaking to AAP, saying his focus is on playing a full PGA Tour schedule and qualifying for the majors next season, with the Masters being a priority.

“There’s been a lot of rumours. I’m not going and am just going to play on the PGA Tour. I’m happy with where I’m at and looking forward to next year,” Lee said.

Min Woo Lee added that his upcoming schedule in Australia will be important as he looks to strengthen his major championship chances.

“I’ve just got to play good golf in the Aussie summer and hopefully lock it up. I never want to miss a major, especially the Masters,” he said.

The 24-year-old is currently ranked 46th in the Official World Golf Ranking. This season, he played 19 PGA Tour events, made 14 cuts and won the Texas Children’s Houston Open along with two top-10 finishes and seven top-25 results.