Somi Lee may be the newest face on the LPGA Tour, but she plays like she has been there for years. The 26-year-old from Yongin City, South Korea, stormed through Q-Series, turned her rookie nerves into birdies, and already owns an LPGA title. Fans love her fearless driver, silky putting stroke, and upbeat attitude.
This guide breaks down everything you want to know—money in the bank, yearly prize checks, win list, caddie details, family life, brand deals, and every key stat that shows why Lee is suddenly one of the most talked-about golfers in the world.
Somi Lee’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lee So-Mi |
| Date of Birth | 6 January 1999 |
| Age | 26 years |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Hometown | Yongin City, Gyeonggi-do |
| Height | 5 ft 4 in (163 cm) |
| Weight | 125 lb (57 kg) |
| Education | Kumho Jungang Girls’ High School; amateur training under Han Hyun-Hee Academy |
| Turned Pro | 2018 (KLPGA), earned LPGA card for 2024 |
| Net Worth | Approx. US $2 million |
| Official Career Earnings | $1.3 million |
| Marital Status | Single |
| @somilee_golf | |
| N/A |
Early Career
Somi Lee’s golf journey began on South Korea’s Wando Island, where she first swung a club after being inspired by local hero K.J. Choi’s PGA Tour success. Her childhood routine involved pre-dawn practice sessions at the island’s driving range, where she meticulously marked alignment lines on every ball and adopted Choi’s relentless “tank mentality.” By her teens at Kumho Jungang Girls’ High School, Lee dominated national junior tournaments with her precise short game.
Instead of pursuing U.S. college golf, she turned professional in 2018 at age 19, joining the ultra-competitive KLPGA Tour straight out of high school. Lee later explained this unconventional path: “Every KLPGA event felt like a final exam—why delay real competition?” Her gamble paid off as she quickly adapted to pro pressures, laying groundwork for future titles.
Professional Career
Somi Lee announced her arrival on the KLPGA Tour with a breakthrough win at the 2020 Huencare Women’s Open, seizing victory during a pandemic-disrupted season. She solidified her status with back-to-back wins in 2021 and added two more trophies in 2022, building a five-win resume before age 24. Her consistent excellence earned a 2023 LPGA card via Q-Series, where she finished tied-second.
Lee’s rookie LPGA season in 2024 featured a top-five finish in Portland, setting the stage for her 2025 breakthrough: a dramatic team victory at the Dow Championship alongside Jin Hee Im, clinched with a playoff birdie.
That same year, she logged a runner-up in Saudi Arabia and a solo third at the Meijer Classic, climbing into the Rolex Rankings’ top 60 while boasting one of the Tour’s best birdie averages. Her aggressive play and clutch putting now make her a weekly contender.
Caddie
Lee currently works with veteran Swedish loop Joakim Hilton. Known for calm club selection and quick green reads, Hilton joined her bag after the 2024 fall swing.
During the 2025 Mizuho Americas Open, when visa delays sent Hilton home, Lee’s father carried for one round—she shot 66, showing how comfortable she is with family support.
Once reunited, the Lee-Hilton duo set detailed yardage goals and talk through every wind change, a partnership that helped secure their Dow Championship playoff birdie.
Somi Lee’s Net Worth Details
Somi Lee’s estimated net worth stands near US $2 million.
Career Earnings
| Year | Tour(s) | On-Course Earnings (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | KLPGA | $337,000 (approx.) |
| 2021 | KLPGA | $635,000 (approx.) |
| 2022 | KLPGA | $617,000 (approx.) |
| 2023 | KLPGA + LET | $210,000 |
| 2024 | LPGA Rookie Year | $503,000 |
| 2025* | LPGA (through June) | $1,251,915 |
| Total | ≈ $3.55 million |
Endorsements
Lee’s growing profile has attracted premium Korean and global partners. She plays Callaway clubs under a multi-year equipment deal, sports a Nike apparel contract that kicked off at the LA Championship, and drives a Lexus NX as part of her domestic car sponsor agreement.
Korean beauty giant Laneige added her to its “Clear & Calm” campaign for 2025, valuing her approachable image. Combined, off-course income is believed to exceed US $400,000 annually, giving her financial stability even in weeks without a big check.
Career Stats
| Category | Figure (LPGA through Jun 2025) |
|---|---|
| Starts | 26 |
| Cuts Made | 22 |
| Wins | 1 (team event) |
| Runner-up Finishes | 2 |
| Top-10 Finishes | 7 |
| Lowest Round | 65 |
| Scoring Average | 70.86 |
| Driving Distance | 269 yd |
| Greens in Regulation | 71.4% |
| Putts per Round | 29.2 |
FAQs
1. When did Lee turn professional and why so early?
She turned pro at just nineteen because she wanted real competition over collegiate play, believing the KLPGA’s deep fields offered the fastest path to world-class golf.
2. How did Somi Lee earn her LPGA card?
Lee finished tied-second in the grueling eight-round 2023 Q-Series, securing full LPGA status for 2024 and immediately validating the move with a top-five rookie finish.
3. What is Lee’s biggest payday so far?
Her largest single check came at the 2025 Dow Championship, where she pocketed $399,510 after draining the winning playoff birdie putt alongside teammate Jin Hee Im.
4. Who carries Lee’s bag each week?
Swedish caddie Joakim Hilton is her regular bagman, prized for steady course management; however, her father stepped in once this season and helped her shoot 66.
5. What goals has Lee set for the rest?
She wants an individual LPGA victory, a top-50 world ranking, and a spot in the season-ending CME Group Tour Championship, all while keeping her scoring average under 71.
