South Korean star Hyo Joo Kim holds commanding four-shot lead entering the final round of the Ford Championship in Arizona.
Hyo Joo Kim of South Korea has seized control of the LPGA Tour‘s Ford Championship Presented by Wild Horse Pass in Phoenix, establishing a commanding four-shot advantage heading into the final round of competition.
Kim, the defending champion who captured the Founders Cup just last week, stands at 25-under par as the field enters Sunday’s decisive action. The 28-year-old’s stellar form continues to set the pace as she pursues back-to-back victories and consecutive championship moments.
Korda Chases Four Shots Back
Nelly Korda of the United States occupies second place at 21-under par, trailing by four shots but remaining positioned to make a final-round push. The American’s position leaves the door open for a potential comeback, though Kim’s advantage provides significant cushioning.
Third place is contested among a group of five players at 16-under par. Lydia Ko of New Zealand shares that position alongside England’s Mel Rhodes, Japan’s Chinatsu Iwai, South Korea’s Inyoung Yoon, and Japan’s Minami Katsu. A shot further back at 15-under par sits In Gee Chun, also of South Korea.
Amateur Asterisk Talley has impressed throughout the tournament, holding a tie for ninth place at 14-under par, showcasing strong performance at the professional level.
Kim’s Momentum Continues
Kim’s current standing reflects her exceptional recent form. The South Korean golfer won the Founders Cup in the previous week and now brings that confidence and momentum into this Ford Championship defense. Should she maintain her four-shot cushion through Sunday, she will join an exclusive group of back-to-back winners within a compressed timeframe.
The final round promises competitive golf as the field pursues Kim’s formidable lead in Phoenix, with Korda and the larger group at 16-under par all capable of mounting challenges should Kim’s play falter.
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