Minjee Lee left ‘speechless’ after winning US Women’s Open and record payout

Lee triumphed by four shots at Pine Needles to land a payout of £1.8m (£1.44m) in her second career major win

Minjee Lee of Australia poses with the trophy after winning the 77th US Women's Open at Pine Needles, North Carolina, on Sunday (Getty)

Minjee Lee cruised to victory in the US Women’s Open at Pine Needles by five strokes.

An even-par 71 in the final round saw the Australian finish up at 13-under to land her second career major victory.

The win also sees Lee pick up £1.8m (£1.44m), the largest payout in women’s golf history.

The win follows compatriot Australian Karrie Webb, who won the US Open 21 years ago at the same venue.

Lee carried a four-shot lead after three rounds and resisted pressure from 32-year-old American Mina Harigae, who ended the weekend on nine-under for a career-best finish in a major.

“I mean, I’m speechless,” Lee said. “It’s the one I’ve always wanted to win, and now I’ve done it.”

“We’re moving in the right direction. I think it’s only going to get better from here.

Lee celebrates on the final green (Getty)

“That was the nervous-est I’ve ever been. Even with a three-shot lead, I never felt comfortable today.

“To start aggressively, I think it was the right move, and then after that, I had quite a big shot lead, so I was able to just play my game just to finish.”