Hyo Joo Kim lived up to her billing in the Aramco Team Series presented by PIF – Korea as the home favorite cruised to a three-shot victory in Seoul.
Leading by two shots heading into the final round, the Major winner held off Charley Hull’s Sunday surge by carding a round of 68 (-4) to end the week at 10-under par.
Kim said: “I haven’t won on the Ladies European Tour (LET) before so this is really important and makes this win even more special for me.
“My performance this season has been disappointing. Finishing the tournament in Korea on a positive note is a turning point for me. I feel confident and energized to perform well in upcoming tournaments like the US Open and the Olympics.”
Playing alongside Hull and recent winner Mariajo Uribe of Colombia, Kim had extra breathing room on the opening par-4 1st when both of her opponents dropped shots.
A Sunday shootout was soon on the cards as Hull lit things up on the front nine making five birdies in seven holes before the turn. Kim responded with birdies of her own at the 5th and 7th – the last of the day’s shots on the scenic par-3 – to take a one-shot lead.
However, the birdies would dry up for Hull on the back nine as Kim closed the door by making birdies on 14, 16 and 17, to the delight of her shooting star fan club.
Despite missing the green on 18, the world No. 12 managed three shots to seal a classy three-shot victory.
“Charlie [Hull] he hit a lot of birds, so the competitiveness in me boiled over to bring out the best in me. If you have players who make a lot of birdies, that always helps me.
“I’m going to have a holiday party today. I had many shortcomings [on the course], so my party will last two days! Then I’ll probably focus on practice again.”
With the clinical win, Kim earns her second LET victory after winning the co-sanctioned Evian Championship – her only major win to date – in 2014.
In second place at seven under par was Hull, who matched Kim’s score to record yet another second LET finish.
“I’m very happy with the way I played,” said the world No 8. “I played solid all day, but Hyo-Joo walked away with it at the end. I just couldn’t pierce the fakes that come through. But I’m happy with my week. It’s when you come second again, but that’s okay.”
Uribe and South Africa’s Casandra Alexander finished the week tied for third at five under par – the latter posting the round of the day to continue her outstanding run in the Aramco Team Series.
Switzerland’s Elena Moosmann finished the week in solo fifth at four under par. Denmark’s Nicole Broch Estrup was one back in sixth.
Earlier in the day, Team Kang was crowned team winner after the foursome of USA’s Danielle Kang, England’s Lily May Humphreys, China’s Tian Xiaolin and amateur Kyu Ho Lee combined to score 23 under par.
In the Order of Merit, Hull beats recent winner Chiara Tamburlini to take third place. Bronte Law’s counterpart is still leading on 1,171.15 points with Belgium’s Manon De Roey in second on 1,037.17 points.
Next up for the LET stars is a trip to Berlin for the Amundi German Masters. Follow all the action on socials @LETgolf at Instagram and X and Ladies European Tour in Facebook and YouTube – #RaiseOurGame #SeeTheImpact.