Angel Yin Wins Honda LPGA Thailand

https://www.lpga.com/news/2025/angel-yin-wins-honda-lpga-thailand-for-second-career-title

[Recap courtesy of ChatGPT]

In a dazzling display of golf prowess, Angel Yin transformed the Honda LPGA Thailand into her personal birdie playground, clinching her second LPGA Tour title with a record-breaking 28-under-par performance. citeturn0search0

Starting the final round with a five-shot cushion, Yin might have expected a leisurely Sunday stroll. However, Japanese rookie Akie Iwai had other plans, launching a blistering assault on the leaderboard with a 10-under 62 in the opening round and an even more impressive final-round 61.

As Iwai’s scorecard sizzled, Yin’s lead shrank faster than a wool sweater in hot water. By the 12th hole, the two were neck and neck, both at 24-under. But Yin, unflappable as ever, responded with three consecutive birdies, reestablishing her dominance.

Approaching the 18th hole with a two-shot lead, Yin faced the “hardest pin on the golf course.” Yet, with the calm of a seasoned pro, she secured her victory, etching her name into the tournament’s history books.

Iwai’s valiant effort, featuring 10 birdies and an eagle, earned her a well-deserved second place. Meanwhile, local favorite Jeeno Thitikul celebrated her 22nd birthday with a third-place finish, proving that age is just a number when it comes to talent.

In the end, Yin’s performance was a masterclass in composure and skill, leaving fans eagerly anticipating her next move on the LPGA Tour.

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Yealimi Noh Wins Founders Cup

https://www.lpga.com/news/2025/noh-doubt-yealimi-noh-becomes-rolex-first-time-winner-at-founders-cup

(Written by ChatGPT, with corrections in italics) Yealimi Noh secured her first LPGA Tour victory at the Founders Cup on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at Bradenton Country Club in Florida. The 23-year-old from San Francisco delivered a stellar final round, carding a 6-under-par 65 (she actually shot 68) to finish the tournament at 24-under par (she finished at 21-under), edging out South Korea’s Jin Young Ko by two strokes. (Noh won by 4 shots)

Noh’s performance was marked by consistent excellence, hitting 18 greens in regulation (she hit 17 of 18 greens) during her final round. She maintained composure under pressure, recording birdies on holes 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, and 18, culminating in a back-nine score of 29 (she had 3 birdies on the day on holes 2, 13, and 14, and shot 33 on the final nine holes). Reflecting on her victory, Noh stated, “I didn’t even realize how many birdies I made until I finished the round today.” deadspin.com

This win is a significant milestone in Noh’s professional career, which began in 2019. She earned her LPGA Tour card for the 2020 season after finishing third in the qualifying school. Prior to turning professional, Noh had an impressive amateur career, winning the U.S. Girls’ Junior, the Girls’ Junior PGA Championship, and the Canadian Women’s Amateur in 2018. en.wikipedia.org

Jin Young Ko, a three-time Founders Cup champion, finished as the runner-up at 22-under par (Ko finished at 17-under par). Ko’s final round included five birdies and no bogeys (Ko had 3 birdies and 3 bogeys), but it wasn’t enough to overcome Noh’s exceptional performance.

Noh’s victory at the Founders Cup not only marks her first LPGA Tour win but also establishes her as a rising star in women’s golf. Her composure and skill throughout the tournament have garnered attention and praise from fans and fellow competitors alike.

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