Hyo Joo Kim narrowly defeats Nelly Korda to secure victory at the LPGA Tour’s Founders Cup.
MENLO PARK, Calif. — Hyo Joo Kim successfully fended off Nelly Korda on Sunday at Sharon Heights, achieving a wire-to-wire triumph in the Fortinet Founders Cup.
After losing her initial five-stroke lead following 10 holes, Kim reclaimed the top position on the subsequent hole and ultimately secured a one-shot victory despite a closing bogey.
“I don’t believe I was particularly rattled or that my emotions were out of control,” Kim stated through an interpreter. “I was simply focused on my shots and what I needed to do.”
Kim recorded a 1-over 73 for a total of 16-under 272. The 30-year-old South Korean golfer also claimed victory in the 2015 event held in Phoenix. She now boasts eight LPGA Tour titles alongside 14 KLPGA Tour wins.
Korda missed a short par putt on No. 17 and finished with a 69. The American had previously won the season opener in Florida but opted out of the Asia swing.
“Clearly, missing a putt like the one on 17 is disappointing, but it is what it is,” Korda remarked. “It’s golf. Thereβs a quick turnaround. Next week is coming up, so Iβll focus on the positives.”
Korda matched Kim with a bogey on No. 2, then birdied six of the following eight holes to level the score. Kim regained the lead with a birdie on the par-4 11th, exchanged bogeys with Korda on the par-4 12th, and extended her lead to two strokes with a birdie on the par-4 14th.
Kim relinquished a stroke with a bogey on the par-4 16th, then executed a flop shot from deep rough to 2 1/2 feet to save par after overshooting the par-3 17th. Korda three-putted for a bogey on 17, missing a 3-footer, which allowed Kim to head to 18 with a two-shot cushion that proved crucial.
“I think my two par saves on the back nine are what Iβm most proud of today,” Kim noted. “Especially since my shots weren’t performing as well.”
Kim secured her first victory in a year since the Ford Championship in Phoenix, which is set to commence Thursday at Whirlwind Golf Club. She started strong at the challenging Sharon Heights, making an eagle on the eighth hole Thursday with a 63 that gave her a two-shot lead. She increased her advantage to four with a 70 on Friday.
“I appreciated every single day, but this course was quite challenging,” Kim added.
Sei Young Kim (67) and Jin Hee Im (69) finished tied for third at 11 under. Top-ranked Jeeno Thitikul tied for 14th at 8 under after a 73.
The tournament originated in Arizona in 2011 as a tribute to the 13 founders of the LPGA. It was held in Florida last year.
