A Desert Showdown on LPGA

Under the blazing Arizona sun at Whirlwind Golf Club, Hyo Joo Kim authored one of the most remarkable final-round performances of the LPGA season. The South Korean star stormed from four shots back with a sizzling 8-under 64, then outdueled Lilia Vu in a sudden-death playoff to claim the Ford Championship title.

The Comeback Kid Rises

Kim’s victory was a masterclass in clutch golf. After beginning Sunday’s round well off the pace, she ignited her charge with a blistering 5-under 31 on the front nine. The 29-year-old veteran then birdied two of her first three holes after the turn before surviving a crucial test on the par-5 12th, where she rebounded from a water-logged bogey with three more birdies down the stretch.

Pressure Cooker Finish

The drama reached its peak when Kim’s 18-foot birdie bomb on the 16th broke a four-way tie for the lead. After trading birdies with Vu on the 17th, Kim watched as her American opponent drained a nerve-wracking 7-foot par putt on 18 to force extra holes. “I stayed patient and trusted my game,” Kim said through an interpreter. “When the putts started falling, I knew something special could happen.”

Vu’s Valiant Stand

Vu, who began the day with a two-shot advantage, fought valiantly to protect her lead. The world No. 2 delivered one of the shots of the tournament with a brilliant bunker splash to kick-in range on the 17th to stay alive. But in the playoff, her 15-foot birdie attempt lipped out, setting the stage for Kim’s winning 6-footer.

A Milestone Victory

The victory marks Kim’s seventh LPGA title and first since 2023, pushing her career earnings past the $10 million milestone. It also continues her remarkable consistency across global tours, with 23 professional wins worldwide.

Contenders Fade in Desert Heat

Other contenders faded in the desert heat. Allisen Corpuz carded a 65 to finish solo third, while Jeeno Thitikul’s late charge stalled with six straight pars to close her 66. Defending champion Nelly Korda never factored on Sunday, settling for a tie for 22nd after a final-round 69.

On to Las Vegas

The LPGA Tour now heads to Las Vegas for next week’s T-Mobile Match Play at Shadow Creek, where Kim will look to continue her momentum. But for now, the South Korean star can bask in the glow of a comeback victory that showcased both her world-class talent and unshakable nerve under pressure. “This win means so much,” Kim said, cradling the championship trophy. “When you work hard and stay patient, sometimes the golf gods reward you.” Hahaha, I love that quote, ”Sometimes”…lol.