Hwang Claims First LPGA Title at LOTTE Championship, Korda Falls Short
Youmin Hwang secured her first victory on the LPGA Tour at the LOTTE Championship, held at the Hoakalei Country Club in Hawaii. Hwang delivered an impressive performance, birdying the final four holes, finishing with a five-under-par 67. Her total score of 18-under-par allowed her to clinch the title by a narrow one-shot margin over Hyo Joo Kim.
Hwang’s win marks a significant milestone in her career. “This is my dream,” she expressed through a translator. “Finally, I achieved my dream here at the LOTTE Championship, and I also very much look forward to my future as well in the LPGA.” The 23-year-old golfer’s resilience showed as she was tied for the lead with Kim and Minami Katsu after a birdie on the par-four 17th hole.
The competition intensified when both Kim and Katsu bogeyed the 17th hole, giving Hwang an opportunity to take the lead. On the decisive par-five 18th, Hwang faced a challenging situation after her second shot landed in the rough. She skillfully chipped to within a foot of the hole, sealing her victory and making her mark on the tour.
Second-ranked Nelly Korda, who finished the tournament with a round of 69, ended three shots behind the winner at 17-under. Despite not securing a victory this year, Korda remains optimistic about her performance. “Overall, I’m putting myself into contention,” she stated. “It’s definitely an interesting year for me result-wise, but at the end of the day, I’m giving it 100 percent, controlling what I can control, and I’m happy with that.”
Korda emphasized her passion for the sport, saying, “I just love the grind. I love going out there, competing, doing what I love, playing in front of the fans who are just as passionate about the game as we are, and also going home and working hard on my craft.”
Following the LOTTE Championship, the LPGA Tour will continue its schedule across Asia, with tournaments lined up for five consecutive weeks in locations including Shanghai, South Korea, Malaysia, and Japan. This upcoming stretch promises to be exciting for both players and fans alike as they follow their favorite golfers in diverse settings.
The thrilling competition at the LOTTE Championship not only highlighted Hwang’s remarkable talent but also showcased the ever-evolving dynamics of the LPGA Tour, as players like Korda continue to strive for excellence in their game.
