Full Breakdown
Hyo Joo Kim Secures Back-to-Back Wins at the LPGA Ford Championship
3/30/2026, 9:24:40 PM
Dominant Performance at the Ford Championship
Hyo Joo Kim of South Korea claimed victory at the LPGA Ford Championship in Phoenix, Arizona, marking her second consecutive win against American golfer Nelly Korda. Kim finished the tournament with a total score of 28-under-par 260, closing with a final round of 3-under 69. This victory not only solidifies her status as one of the top players on the LPGA Tour but also represents her first successful title defense and back-to-back wins in her career.
Kim entered the final round with a four-shot lead but faced a challenge after a double bogey on the eighth hole, which allowed Korda to narrow the gap to just one stroke. However, Korda's momentum was halted when she missed a short par putt on the ninth hole. Kim responded with a birdie on the tenth, regaining a two-shot advantage, and ultimately held off Korda, who finished with a score of 26-under-par 262 after a strong finish that included an eagle and a birdie.
Key Moments and Challenges
Throughout the tournament, Kim demonstrated remarkable skill, having set a new LPGA 54-hole scoring record with a total of 191. Despite a few setbacks, including missed birdie opportunities and a three-putt bogey on the 16th, Kim's performance was characterized by resilience and strategic play. Korda, while finishing second, expressed frustration over missed putts but acknowledged Kim's exceptional play, stating, "Hyo Joo has been playing amazing golf."
Official Statements & Responses
Kim reflected on her victory, stating, "It feels fantastic," and praised Korda as a "phenomenal player" who motivates her on the course. Korda, in a light-hearted moment, remarked, "I'm done playing with her," highlighting the competitive nature of their recent encounters. She also noted, "I'm going to miss a bunch of those putts throughout my entire career, and I just can't get down on myself," emphasizing her determination to improve.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the celebratory atmosphere, Korda's performance raised questions about her putting consistency, particularly during crucial moments in both tournaments. Her inability to convert short putts proved costly, as she missed a 2-foot par putt on the 15th hole, which Korda acknowledged as a significant error.
What's Next for Kim and Korda
With this victory, Kim is projected to rise to a career-best No. 3 in the Rolex Rankings, joining an elite group of players who have won in their teens, 20s, and 30s. Korda, despite her recent runner-up finishes, remains a formidable competitor, having won the season-opening Tournament of Champions and finishing second in her subsequent tournaments.
As both players prepare for upcoming events, Kim aims to maintain her winning momentum, while Korda seeks to refine her game and reclaim her position at the top of the leaderboard.
