Minjee Lee wins Greg Norman medal

World Number 6 Minjee Lee became the first woman to win the most prestigious individual honor of the Australian golf; the Greg Norman medal.

Australia's best performing, male or female golfer on the international stage in 2018, Lee is the third recipient of the medal after Jason Day in 2015 and 2016 and Marc Leishman in 2017.

"I feel humbled that I won such a prestigious award alongside two great golfers who already play in Marc and Jason," said Lee.

"It is a great honor, Greg is perhaps one of the greatest golfers ever from Australia, so winning a prize attached to his name is very special.

"I had a great 2018 season and this is a really nice way to be recognized, thanks to my team for their hard work throughout the year, hopefully we can make a bigger and better one next year."

Beginning of the 2018 season ranked 19th in the world, Western Australia Lee was given her year free to win the Vic Open for a second time by a command five shots.

She was close to back-to-back victories in Australia and finished second at the ActewAGL Canberra Classic, followed by a top 5 finish at the ISPS HANDA Women's Australian Open.

Lee recorded another top 10 during the LPGA Tour, including the 2nd place at the Mediheal Championship before he won the Volvik Championship.

This win resulted in a blistering form and Lee took six finishes in the top-4 to reach the rankings of World Number 5 after the year 19 started.

Minjee has cemented her outstanding performance this year as the best performing Australian woman in all majors and the race to the CME Globe final standings.

Greg Norman could not be on the Gold Coast for the award ceremony, but Lee sent a video message.

"The Australian professional golf has had a successful year, with notable achievements from both our male and female players around the world," said Norman.

"We have seen the emergence of some great young players, who have made a name for themselves in the US and Europe, and many of our established players have continued their successful career.

"One nominee for the Greg Norman medal was above the rest this year.

"Two tournament wins, one in Australia on the Vic Open, and one on the LPGA tour at the Volvik Championship, excellent performance in all major championship events, and fifth place on the Race to CME Globe, shifting her rankings from 19th to 5th in the world.

"It is my honor to announce the first female recipient of the Greg Norman medal, based on her success in 2018, it is Minjee Lee."

"I am honored to announce Minjee Lee as the winner of the Greg Norman Medal in 2018."

The evening also saw members of the professional golf circuit, the business world and the golf community come together to celebrate the successes of both professional and professional PGA professionals.

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The other prizes that were presented at the evening were:

PGA Club Professional of the year

Adam Norlander – Headland Golf Club – QLD

PGA coach of the year

Khan Pullen – Jack Newton Junior Golf Foundation – NSW

PGA Management Professional of the year

Gary Booby – The Ridge Golf Course and Driving Range – NSW

PGA Game Development Professional of the year

Jason Laws – Newcastle Golf Club – NSW

PGA National trainee of the year

Cooper Ecclestone – Victoria Park Golf Complex – QLD