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.
To tie the lead 🪢
Hyo Joo Kim knocks in her sixth birdie of the day to get to -20 pic.twitter.com/i8c2IdusUT
— LPGA (@LPGA) March 30, 2025
Hyo Joo Kim with the birdie to take solo lead at -21 💪 pic.twitter.com/TFpAIuT1qR
— LPGA (@LPGA) March 30, 2025
Hyo Joo Kim to take the solo lead back at -21 👊 pic.twitter.com/dSSx1ZMx0X
— LPGA (@LPGA) March 30, 2025
A tap-in birdie gives Hyo Joo Kim the solo lead once again 💥 pic.twitter.com/aroHUYQ6UL
— LPGA (@LPGA) March 31, 2025
Hyo Joo Kim ends her round with a par and a one shot lead 💪 pic.twitter.com/EeelkA0Mok
— LPGA (@LPGA) March 31, 2025
Solid approach shots set both Lilia and Hyo Joo up for birdies on the first playoff hole 🔥 pic.twitter.com/0a2ExcMRwX
— LPGA (@LPGA) March 31, 2025
In the LPGA Golf Pool, Niall Byrne had the best week with 42 points.
Points for Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass
| Place | Player | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hyo Joo Kim | 15 |
| 2 | Lilia Vu | 10 |
| 3 | Allisen Corpuz | 9 |
| 4 | Jeeno Thitikul | 8 |
| 5 | Lindy Duncan | 7 |
| 6 | Lydia Ko | 6 |
| 6 | Saki Baba | 6 |
| 6 | Yealimi Noh | 6 |
| 6 | Gaby Lopez | 6 |
| 6 | Mi Hyang Lee | 6 |
Here are the final round highlights from the LPGA’s Youtube page: