Full Breakdown
Gina Kim and Yana Wilson Earn First LPGA Titles at Dow Championship
6/15/2026, 6:42:42 AM
Event Overview: Dow Championship Victory
On Sunday at Midland Country Club in Midland, Michigan, the American pair of Gina Kim (26) and Yana Wilson (19) won the Dow Championship, the LPGA Tour’s only team event. Their 17-under 263 finished two strokes ahead of Hyo Joo Kim and Hye-Jin Choi. The tournament uses two rounds of foursomes and two rounds of four-ball, with the final round four-ball producing the winning 8-under 62.
Player Backgrounds and Partnership
Kim earned her LPGA card in 2022 after finishing third on the Epson Tour money list; Wilson, the 2022 USGA Girls’ Junior champion, was second on that list. Both turned professional in 2022, making this their first LPGA titles—Kim in her 64th start, Wilson in her ninth as a rookie. Kim chose Wilson because they had shared the final group on the Epson Tour and Kim trusted Wilson’s composure under pressure. Both players had previously competed against each other on the Epson Tour, giving them familiarity with each other's games.
Performance Highlights and Statistics
Kim’s eagle on the par-4 fifth hole set the tone, and Wilson added birdies on holes 10, 14 and 17 to build a two-stroke lead. Their final-round 62 (8-under) lifted the pair to 17-under for the week. Defending champions Somi Lee and Jin Hee Im tied for third at 14-under, while Juli Inkster, at age 65/66, and Angel Yin finished tied for 12th at 9-under after a 64. World No. 1 Nelly Korda, fresh from a U.S. Women’s Open win, finished tied for 17th at eight under, underscoring the depth of the field.
Official Reactions from Winners
Kim called the week “the most fun” of her career and said she was relieved to secure full LPGA status, ending the need for qualifying rounds. Wilson said the lead felt “weird” and “nervy,” but praised how the duo “handled it really well” and enjoyed winning with a trusted partner. Both emphasized the importance of staying relaxed and keeping the atmosphere light throughout the competition.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I haven't been in a leading position for a long time,” — Yana Wilson, Player
- “I knew I hit a really good shot and I was thinking, ‘Oh, OK, maybe I'll tap in for birdie and then it just disappeared. '” — Gina Kim, Player
- “We had an amazing time,” — Juli Inkster, Hall of Famer
- “It feels awesome,” — Yana Wilson, Player
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources list Inkster’s age as both 65 and 66. Wilson initially thought the $402,691 winner’s purse would be split, but later clarified each champion received the full amount.
Upcoming Implications
Kim and Wilson now hold two-year full LPGA status and have qualified for the Women’s Open and the Evian Championship. The LPGA will stay in Michigan for the Meijer LPGA Classic (June 18-21) before the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at Hazeltine (June 25-28).
