A frustrated Min Woo Lee has lamented his inability to maintain a stranglehold after a hot start to his Australian PGA Championship defence.
The popular 2023 victor defied a sleepy 6.10am start at Brisbane's Royal Queensland on Thursday, blazing out of the blocks with four birdies in his first six holes.
But the West Australian - an Olympian and President's Cup player this year - coughed up that advantage with three bogeys offsetting two birdies after the turn.
He finished three-under, three behind the early clubhouse leader Elvis Smylie and visibly agitated by his wayward finish.
"Started well ... (but left) everything on the back nine," he said.
"Didn't putt well and hit some loose iron shots ... just not decisive and not good."
More than 1000 fans followed Lee, three-time champion Cameron Smith and Jason Day in the early-morning marquee group on Thursday.
Lee routinely out-drove his big-name colleagues but finished a shot behind both of them.
"It's nice to get out there and watch Min; it's unbelievable how far he hits it," said Day.
"A couple of bad breaks, but he's playing pretty solid.
"It's always hard and in the marquee group a lot of people watching and a bit more nerve-wracking coming back as a defending champ."
