https://www.lpga.com/news/2025/hyo-joo-kim-rallies-with-64-and-beats-lilia-vu-in-an-lpga-playoff-in-arizona

[Recap written by ChatGPT]

In a thrilling display of skill and determination, South Korea’s Hyo Joo Kim captured her seventh LPGA title at the Ford Championship on March 30, 2025.

Starting the final round four strokes behind the leader, Kim delivered a sensational 8-under 64, featuring nine birdies. This remarkable performance propelled her into a playoff against Lilia Vu, who carded a 4-under 68 to finish tied at 22-under 266.

The playoff unfolded on the par-4 18th hole at Whirlwind Golf Club’s Cattail Course in Chandler, Arizona. Kim’s precise approach left her with a six-foot birdie putt, which she confidently sank after Vu missed her attempt from 15 feet.

This victory marks Kim’s first since October 2023 and adds $337,500 to her career earnings, pushing her past the $10 million milestone. Her triumph also elevates her into the top 10 of the Rolex Rankings.

Reflecting on her win, Kim expressed, “The feeling was great today and I just thought one hole at a time, one birdie at a time.”

This victory underscores Kim’s resilience and solidifies her status as a formidable competitor on the LPGA Tour.

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https://www.lpga.com/news/2025/rio-takeda-of-japan-shoots-a-blistering-8-under-64-in-china-to-win-her-second-lpga-title

[Recap was generated by ChatGPT]

In a performance that could only be described as “Rio-de-Janeiro-hot,” Japan’s Rio Takeda torched the course at the Blue Bay LPGA, leaving her competitors searching for the nearest ice bath. Her final-round 8-under 64 wasn’t just a statement; it was a full-blown manifesto on how to dominate a golf tournament.

Takeda’s clubs were on such fire that local firefighters were reportedly on standby, just in case her putter spontaneously combusted. Spectators whispered that the golf balls were considering unionizing against such treatment.

Meanwhile, Australia’s Minjee Lee, who finished six shots behind, was seen double-checking the leaderboard, perhaps wondering if Takeda had secretly played an extra round. And Ayaka Furue, finishing third, was overheard asking if Takeda had found a cheat code.

Jeeno Thitikul, the world No. 2, might have felt like she was in a different tournament altogether, finishing 13 strokes behind. Rumor has it she briefly considered taking up mini-golf instead.

As Takeda hoisted her second LPGA trophy, one couldn’t help but wonder: is she golfing, or just giving the rest of the field a free lesson? Either way, the Blue Bay LPGA will be remembered as the tournament where Rio Takeda turned the heat up to “unbearable.”

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https://www.lpga.com/news/2025/olympic-champion-lydia-ko-wins-2025-hsbc-womens-world-championship

[Recap written by ChatGPT]

By: A Humorous Observer

In a plot twist worthy of a golf sitcom, Lydia Ko, the 27-year-old New Zealander, finally broke her 11-year Singaporean curse by clinching the HSBC Women’s World Championship. After a decade of near misses and “maybe next times,” Ko decided enough was enough and turned her dream into reality—literally. She dreamt of winning the night before, woke up disappointed it wasn’t real, and then went out and made it happen. Talk about manifesting your destiny!

The 40-Foot Miracle

The highlight of Ko’s final round was an “are-you-kidding-me” 40-foot birdie putt on the 15th hole. As the ball miraculously found the bottom of the cup, Ko’s reaction was a mix of disbelief and amusement. She high-fived her caddie, raised her arms, shrugged her shoulders, and laughed, probably thinking, “Did that really just happen?” Even the golf gods must have chuckled at that one.

A Necklace and $360,000 Richer

For her efforts, Ko walked away with a nifty $360,000 and a necklace. Yes, you read that right—a necklace. Because nothing says “champion” like some new bling to pair with your oversized check. One can only hope it matches her collection of Olympic medals: silver, bronze, and the recently acquired gold from Paris 2024.

Charley Hull’s Hullabaloo

England’s Charley Hull started the day just one shot behind Ko but ended up having a Sunday to forget. After a bogey on the seventh hole, Hull’s game unraveled faster than a cheap sweater, culminating in a two-over 74. She finished tied for fourth, probably wondering if someone swapped her clubs overnight.

The Sentosa Love Affair

Ko’s victory lap on the 18th hole was a love fest with the Singaporean fans. Signing autographs, waving like a queen, and basking in the adoration, she finally felt the love in what seemed like a home away from home. Eleven tries later, Ko and Singapore can finally swipe right on each other.

Quotable Ko

Reflecting on her win, Ko said, “To win here in Singapore and get all the love, not only this year but for the years I’ve come, means a lot. It’s exciting to add Asia’s major to my major collection.” Translation: “It’s about time, Singapore!”

In the end, Ko’s perseverance paid off, proving that if at first you don’t succeed, try ten more times, dream about it, and then just go out and win the darn thing.

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