A good number of Korean-based LPGA players have taken some extra time at home during the pandemic. Many have filled that time competing on the Korean LPGA, a tour known for producing such LPGA Tour stars as KPMG Women’s PGA Champion Sei Young Kim and Rolex Rankings No.1 Jin Young Ko. One of those players, 25-year-old three-time LPGA Tour winner Hyo Joo Kim, ran away from the field in Incheon at the KB Financial Group Star Championship, the KLPGA’s final major championship of the season, which ended on Sunday.
Kim shot 75 in the final round, but it was more than good enough. Earlier rounds of 66-69-69 gave her a huge lead over M.J. Hur.
The Blackstone Club, one of the most exclusive private clubs in Korea, proved to be a difficult test as only two players broke par for the week – Kim, who finished at 9-under 279 and Ko, who shot 71 on Sunday to finish at 1-under 287.
“I'm so glad I won the final major this season,” Kim said. “My goal was to have one win this year, but it's really good to have two wins (on the KLPGA).”
This was Kim’s 12th KLPGA victory and moved her to the top of the KLPGA money list for the year. While in her home country this year, she has played in 12 events, winning two and finishing in the top-5 four other times.
“Another goal for this year is to get the award for low-scoring average,” Kim said. But even though this season I'm participating a lot on the KLPGA, I'm mainly an LPGA Tour player so I think that might be too much to ask.”
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