South Korean star captures second consecutive LPGA victory, edging Lilia Vu in dramatic playoff finish at Phoenix event.
Hyo Joo Kim claimed her second consecutive LPGA Tour title with a dramatic playoff victory at the Ford Championship, defeating Lilia Vu in a tense one-hole shootout in Phoenix.
Both players finished regulation play at 22-under par, forcing sudden-death play on the final hole. Kim seized the momentum immediately, rolling in a birdie putt on the 18th hole while Vu could only manage a par, giving Kim the tournament crown.
Back-to-Back Brilliance
The victory marks Kim’s second straight LPGA win after capturing the Founders Cup the previous week, a remarkable consecutive achievement that underscores her current form heading into the season’s most important events.
Allison Corpuz finished third, three strokes back at 21-under par, while Jeeno Thitikul claimed fourth place at 20-under. Lydia Ko rounded out the top six finishers, posting a final score of 18-under par.
Kim’s back-to-back victories position her among the form leaders on the LPGA Tour as the circuit builds toward major championships later in the spring. Her ability to close out tight contests, demonstrated emphatically in this playoff, provides confidence as the competitive calendar intensifies.
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