Kim Claims Back-to-Back Wins, Edges Out Korda for Second Consecutive Week

Hyo Joo Kim successfully defended her title, fending off a challenge from Nelly Korda to claim a two-shot victory at the Ford Championship with a three-under 69. Kim had been on track to break the LPGA Tour's scoring record for 72 holes until a double-bogey on the eighth hole gave Korda a glimmer of hope. However, Korda missed a crucial short par putt on the ninth, and Kim capitalized on the opportunity, hitting her approach to 18 inches for birdie on the 10th. Despite Korda's late surge, finishing with an eagle and a birdie for a 67, Kim's lead was unassailable. This victory marks Kim's first back-to-back wins and her second consecutive victory over Korda. Kim, who finished at 28-under 260, jokingly expressed her desire to know how it feels to win consecutive tournaments, referencing Korda's five straight wins during the 2024 season. The South Korean's impressive performance was nearly derailed by a double-bogey on the eighth hole, which occurred when her hybrid shot ran hot on the sunbaked fairway and into the desert scrub. Nevertheless, Kim persevered, and her victory propelled her to a career-best fourth in the world rankings. Korda, who has made three starts this season with finishes of 1-2-2, acknowledged that she had missed crucial putts throughout the week but refused to be disheartened. Kim's win also makes her one of the only players since 1980, alongside Inbee Park, to have won tournaments in her teens, 20s, and 30s.