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The Hyo Joo Kim Founders Cup win capped a dramatic final round as Hyo Joo Kim held off Nelly Korda to claim victory at the Founders Cup on Sunday.
Kim secured a one-shot victory at Sharon Heights Golf & Country Club in Menlo Park, finishing at 16-under-par after a tense and fluctuating final round.
Wire-to-wire victory under pressure
Kim entered the final round with a comfortable lead but saw it quickly disappear. Despite holding a five-shot advantage earlier in the tournament, her margin was erased after 10 holes on Sunday, setting up a dramatic finish.
The South Korean star carded a 1-over 73 in the final round, enough to secure the title with a total score of 272.
This victory marked her eighth career title on the LPGA Tour and her first win in nearly a year, reaffirming her place among the elite players on the circuit.
“I was just trying to keep my focus on my shots,” Kim said after the round, emphasizing her composure despite the mounting pressure.
Nelly Korda’s late charge falls short
Korda, ranked among the world’s top players, mounted an impressive challenge in the final round. She fired a 3-under 69 and briefly tied Kim for the lead after a strong stretch that included multiple birdies on the front nine.
However, the turning point came late in the round. Korda bogeyed the 17th hole after missing a short putt, a costly mistake that ultimately ended her chances of overtaking Kim.
“Something like 17 stings,” Korda admitted, reflecting on the निर्णायक moment that shifted the outcome.
Strong leaderboard performances
Behind Kim and Korda, a group of strong contenders rounded out the leaderboard. South Korea’s Jin Hee Im and Sei Young Kim finished tied for third at 11-under-par, while world No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul ended further back after a challenging final round.
The tournament, part of the LPGA Tour, continues to attract top talent and remains a key event early in the season.
A statement victory
The Hyo Joo Kim Founders Cup win highlights her consistency and mental strength under pressure. Having led from the opening round, she demonstrated the ability to maintain composure even as her lead slipped away.
This victory also adds to her legacy at the Founders Cup, having previously won the event earlier in her career, and reinforces her status as a major contender for the rest of the season.
Looking ahead
For Korda, the narrow defeat still offers positives as she continues her strong form in 2026. Meanwhile, Kim’s triumph provides momentum heading into the upcoming LPGA events.
The Hyo Joo Kim Founders Cup win will be remembered as a gripping contest defined by resilience, pressure, and a dramatic finish, an early highlight in the 2026 women’s golf season.
