Full Breakdown
Hyo Joo Kim Extends Lead at Fortinet Founders Cup
3/22/2026, 12:30:57 PM
Hyo Joo Kim's Dominance
South Korean golfer Hyo Joo Kim solidified her lead at the Fortinet Founders Cup, extending it to five strokes after a remarkable performance on Saturday. Kim shot a 6-under-par 66, bringing her total to 17-under 199 after three rounds at the Sharon Heights Golf & Country Club in Menlo Park, California. This tournament marks Kim's return to form, as she previously won the Founders Cup in 2015, which was her second LPGA Tour title.
Kim's round began with an impressive start, recording six birdies and an eagle within the first six holes. However, she also faced challenges, including three bogeys throughout the day. "The start up to hole 6, I believe, was unbelievable golf," Kim stated, reflecting on her performance. Despite the ups and downs, she managed to maintain a significant lead over her competitors.
Competitors and Standings
Following Kim, American golfer Nelly Korda, ranked second in the world, matched Kim's score with a bogey-free 66, placing her at 12-under for the tournament. Korda expressed satisfaction with her clean scorecard, stating, "It's nice to have a clean scorecard wherever you play." Tied for third at 11-under are China's Ruixin Liu and Mexico's Gaby Lopez, both of whom delivered strong performances, with Liu also recording an eagle during her round.
Other notable players include Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand, who is tied for fifth at 9-under, alongside Australia's Karis Davidson, Japan's Erika Hara, and South Korea's Hye-Jin Choi.
Background of the Tournament
The Fortinet Founders Cup, which began in 2011 as a tribute to the 13 founders of the LPGA, has become a significant event on the LPGA Tour calendar. This year, it has attracted eight of the top ten players in the world rankings and serves as the opening event in a four-tournament stretch leading up to the first major of the year.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the excitement surrounding the tournament, some players have expressed concerns about the course's difficulty. Kim noted that "the golf course is a bit hard," highlighting the challenges posed by the layout and the tricky greens. Minjee Lee, who is currently five strokes behind Kim, acknowledged the need for improvement, stating, "A little bit of things to clean up, but I think I'm in a pretty nice position going into the weekend."
What's Next
As the tournament progresses into the weekend, all eyes will be on Kim as she seeks to secure her first victory since 2015. The competition remains fierce, with Korda and others poised to challenge her lead in the final rounds. The outcome of this tournament could have significant implications for the players' standings in the LPGA Tour.
