Lee Falls Out of Tour Championship Qualifying
Minjee Lee finished last at the Japan Classic and dropped to 79th in the season-long LPGA standings.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Golf
Minjee Lee finished 77th at the Japan Classic with a 17-over score of 305, while Shuri Sakuma won by four strokes at 20-under 268. The result dropped Lee to 79th in the season-long standings, outside the top 60 who qualify for the Tour Championship.
Why it matters
Only the top 60 in the season-long standings advance to the Tour Championship, which carries an $11 million purse. Lee's slide leaves her needing a strong finish at the next event to stay in contention for the season-ending field.
Lee shot rounds of 77, 75, 79 and 74 at the Japan Classic, while Sakuma closed with an eight-under 64 to win by four strokes. Lee's position of 79th in the standings sits 19 spots below the 60th-place qualifying line.
The players
Minjee Lee
Minjee Lee is an Australian professional golfer and three-time major champion on the LPGA Tour.
Shuri Sakuma
Shuri Sakuma is a Japanese professional golfer who won the Japan Classic by four strokes.
The details
Lee, a three-time major champion, played the Taiheiyo Club north of Tokyo and never got her scoring into contention. Hannah Green finished tied for 12th at 11-under after a final-round 70, while Robyn Choi rose to 60th after a 68.
Timeline
November 8, 2026: Lee's Japan Classic finish is reported.
Next week: Lee must win the ANNIKA event in Florida to qualify for the Tour Championship.
November 19-22: The Tour Championship is held in Florida.
Season Trajectory
The LPGA's season-long standings determine which players reach the Tour Championship, so a single weak finish can shift a golfer's season outlook. Lee's position at 79th leaves her relying on a single upcoming event to re-enter the top 60.
Lee's standing at 79th means she needs a win at next week's ANNIKA event to reach the top 60 and qualify for the season-ending field. Fantasy and betting followers tracking her results should note that her qualifying path now depends on a single tournament.
The takeaway
Season-long standings can change quickly, and a single event may determine whether a player reaches the Tour Championship. Following the final tournament before qualifying closes will show who advances.
What happens next
Lee must win the ANNIKA event in Florida next week to qualify for the Tour Championship, scheduled for November 19-22 in Florida.
Further reading
Follow the latest results and standings in our Golf coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The West Australian.
