Phoenix, Arizona, March 31, 2026
Kim Hyo-joo showcased her exceptional talent by winning her second consecutive LPGA title at the Ford Championship in Phoenix, Arizona. This victory marks her first time achieving back-to-back wins in her professional career, defeating world No. 2 Nelly Korda by two strokes. With a remarkable performance, Kim set records and climbed to a career-high No. 3 in the world rankings, underscoring her dominance in the sport.
Phoenix, Arizona – Kim Hyo-joo Secures Historic Back-to-Back LPGA Victories
In a remarkable display of skill, Kim Hyo-joo secured her second consecutive LPGA title, winning the Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass on Sunday, March 30, 2026, at the Whirlwind Golf Club in Phoenix, Arizona. This victory followed her triumph at the Fortinet Founders Cup the previous week, marking her first time achieving back-to-back wins in her LPGA career. She defeated world No. 2 Nelly Korda by two strokes in the Ford Championship. This achievement also propelled Kim to a career-high No. 3 in the world rankings.
Championship Performance and Records Broken
Kim Hyo-joo, aged 30, finished the Ford Championship with a commanding 28-under-par total of 260. Her final round of 3-under 69 included six birdies, one bogey, and one double bogey. For her win at the Ford Championship, Kim earned a prize of $337,500. This victory is her ninth career title on the LPGA Tour and signifies her first multi-win season since her debut.
During the tournament, Kim set significant records, including the lowest 54-hole score in LPGA Tour history, reaching 25-under 191 through three rounds. Additionally, she became the first player in LPGA Tour history to record two rounds of 61 or fewer in the same tournament. This also marked a successful defense of her Ford Championship title from last year.
Rivalry and World Ranking Impact
Kim’s consecutive victories came after intense competition with Nelly Korda, whom she also defeated by one stroke at the Fortinet Founders Cup. The two top-ranked golfers played together for five consecutive rounds, showcasing a compelling rivalry. With these recent wins, Kim Hyo-joo has not only climbed to a career-high No. 3 in the world rankings but also moved to No. 1 in both the CME Globe standings and the Player of the Year race, surpassing Korda in points. She now leads the season money list with $939,640.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Kim Hyo-joo achieve recently?
Kim Hyo-joo secured her second consecutive LPGA title, achieving back-to-back wins for the first time in her LPGA career.
Where did these wins take place?
Her second consecutive win was at the Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass, held at Whirlwind Golf Club in Phoenix, Arizona. The first win was at the Fortinet Founders Cup in California.
When did Kim Hyo-joo achieve these back-to-back wins?
Her win at the Ford Championship concluded on Sunday, March 30, 2026. The Fortinet Founders Cup was held the previous week.
Who did she defeat?
Kim Hyo-joo defeated Nelly Korda in both the Ford Championship and the Fortinet Founders Cup.
What records did Kim Hyo-joo break?
She set the lowest 54-hole score in LPGA Tour history at 25-under 191 and became the first player in LPGA Tour history to record two rounds of 61 or fewer in the same tournament.
What is her new world ranking?
Following her back-to-back victories, Kim Hyo-joo reached a career-high No. 3 in the world rankings.
Key Achievements Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Player | Kim Hyo-joo |
| Event 1 | Fortinet Founders Cup (California) |
| Event 2 | Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass (Phoenix, Arizona) |
| Event Dates | March 2026 (concluding March 30, 2026) |
| Opponent Defeated | Nelly Korda (in both events) |
| Ford Championship Score | 28-under-par 260 |
| New World Ranking | Career-high No. 3 |
| Career LPGA Wins | 9 |
| Records Set | Lowest 54-hole score (25-under 191), First player with two rounds of 61 or lower in same tournament |
| Season Status | First back-to-back wins, First multi-win season since debut |
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