Hyo-joo Defends LPGA Ford Championship Title
Kim Hyo-joo wins LPGA Ford Championship, her 2nd title in 2 weeks, edging Nelly Korda by 2 shots in Phoenix, Arizona.
“Playing with her, I definitely elevate my game...”
Hyo-joo defended her title, edging out Nelly Korda at the LPGA Ford Championship. The Korean star's three-under 69 secured a two-shot win, her second title in two weeks.
Kim Hyo-joo's impressive run continued with a 28-under total at Whirlwind Golf Club in Phoenix, Arizona, following her record-breaking 54-hole performance.
Kim Hyo-joo felt elated after defending her title: “It feels fantastic.” The world number four had a comfortable lead heading into the final round, thanks to impressive 61s in rounds one and three. She extended her lead early, picking up birdies in three of her first seven holes.
A double bogey at the eighth cut Hyo-joo's lead to one stroke, but she bounced back with birdies at 10 and 12, pushing her lead back to four.
Another Hyo Joo Kim #LPGAWinnerSelfie comin' at ya 🤳😆 pic.twitter.com/rPhWm8RrJs
— LPGA (@LPGA) March 30, 2026
Hyo-joo, bogey at 16 aside, sealed the win with a birdie at the par-five 17th.
“It has been inspiring to see,” said Korda after being alongside the South Korean for a second straight weekend. “Playing with her, I definitely elevate my game.”
Korda sealed solo second with a strong finish, highlighted by an eagle at 17 and a birdie at the last.
Minami Katsu shot a seven-under 65, briefly pulling level with Korda for second, but settled for third at 23-under.
Hyo Joo Kim's back-to-back triumph @ford_champ_ 🏆 pic.twitter.com/j9stD1lkH9
— LPGA (@LPGA) March 30, 2026
Korda, fresh from her season-opening win, said she had little to fault in her game, after claiming runner-up spot.
“I mean, two eagles today,” Korda said. “Made some solid putts, missed one or two that I wish I could get back, but that's just golf.
“(I'm) just excited with the way my game is going and I'm excited to keep improving.”
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