March 31, 2026

Kim Hyo Joo Secures Back-to-Back LPGA Tour Victories

Phoenix, Arizona, March 31, 2026

South Korean golfer Kim Hyo Joo has demonstrated her exceptional skills by winning her second consecutive LPGA Tour title at the Ford Championship in Phoenix, Arizona. She triumphed over Nelly Korda by two shots with a stellar final score of 28-under-par 260, marking her ninth career victory on the tour. This win not only solidifies her place in women’s professional golf but also sets new records for the LPGA Tour. Kim is now ranked No. 3 in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings, showcasing her prime form.

Phoenix, Arizona

Kim Hyo Joo posts second straight LPGA Tour victory in Arizona

South Korean golfer Kim Hyo Joo secured her second straight LPGA Tour victory, triumphing at the Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass held at Whirlwind Golf Club in Phoenix, Arizona. The 30-year-old player demonstrated her formidable skill, defeating Nelly Korda by a margin of two shots. Kim sealed her win on Sunday, March 29, 2026, by closing with a 3-under 69 in the final round, achieving a total score of 28-under-par 260.

This marks Kim Hyo Joo’s second consecutive week as a winner on the LPGA Tour, following her victory at the Fortinet Founders Cup. This is her ninth career win on the tour and her first time winning in back-to-back weeks, as well as her first multiple-win season. Kim set a new LPGA Tour record for the lowest score through 54 holes at 25-under-par 191. She also became the first player in LPGA Tour history to record two rounds of 61 or fewer in the same tournament, doing so in the first and third rounds. Despite her strong performance, a double bogey on the eighth hole briefly cut her lead. Nelly Korda, who finished as runner-up, had trailed by four strokes at the start of the final round. This instance of the same two players finishing as champion and runner-up in back-to-back weeks is only the second time in LPGA Tour history.

Kim Hyo Joo earned a winner’s share of $337,500 from the tournament’s $2.25 million purse. Her recent victories have elevated her to a career-high No. 3 in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings. Japan’s Minami Katsu secured solo third place with a 23-under total, while Lydia Ko finished in fourth place at 20-under 268. Other Korean golfers, Choi Hye-jin and Chella (Un-jeong) Choi, tied for 42nd place with a score of 10-under 278. The victory underscores Kim Hyo Joo’s resurgent prime form, establishing her as a significant force in women’s professional golf.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the recent LPGA Tour event in Arizona?

South Korean golfer Kim Hyo Joo secured her second straight LPGA Tour victory, triumphing at the Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass held at Whirlwind Golf Club in Phoenix, Arizona.

How many consecutive LPGA Tour victories has Kim Hyo Joo achieved?

Kim Hyo Joo has achieved her second straight LPGA Tour victory. This marks Kim Hyo Joo’s second consecutive week as a winner on the LPGA Tour, following her victory at the Fortinet Founders Cup.

What was the name of the tournament Kim Hyo Joo won in Arizona?

The name of the tournament Kim Hyo Joo won in Arizona was the Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass.

Who did Kim Hyo Joo defeat in the Ford Championship?

Kim Hyo Joo defeated Nelly Korda by a margin of two shots in the Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass.

What was Kim Hyo Joo’s final score in the Ford Championship?

Kim Hyo Joo sealed her win on Sunday, March 29, 2026, by closing with a 3-under 69 in the final round, achieving a total score of 28-under-par 260.

What was the prize money for Kim Hyo Joo’s victory?

Kim Hyo Joo earned a winner’s share of $337,500 from the tournament’s $2.25 million purse.

What was Kim Hyo Joo’s world ranking after this victory?

Her recent victories have elevated her to a career-high No. 3 in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings.

What was the performance of other notable golfers in the tournament?

Japan’s Minami Katsu secured solo third place with a 23-under total, while Lydia Ko finished in fourth place at 20-under 268. Other Korean golfers, Choi Hye-jin and Chella (Un-jeong) Choi, tied for 42nd place with a score of 10-under 278.

Key Features of Kim Hyo Joo’s Ford Championship Victory

Feature	Detail
Winner	Kim Hyo Joo
Event	Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass
Location	Whirlwind Golf Club, Phoenix, Arizona
Victory Date	Sunday, March 29, 2026
Victory Type	Second straight LPGA Tour victory; Ninth career win
Runner-up	Nelly Korda
Winning Margin	Two shots
Final Round Score	3-under 69
Total Score	28-under-par 260
Winner’s Share	$337,500
Tournament Purse	$2.25 million
World Ranking After Win	Career-high No. 3
Third Place	Minami Katsu (23-under total)
Fourth Place	Lydia Ko (20-under 268)
Other Korean Players	Choi Hye-jin, Chella (Un-jeong) Choi (Tied for 42nd at 10-under 278)