South Korean star Hyo Joo Kim defends her title at the Ford Championship, edging Lilia Vu in an exciting playoff at Whirlwind Golf Club.
Hyo Joo Kim captured the 2026 Ford Championship at Whirlwind Golf Club in Phoenix with a dramatic playoff victory over Lilia Vu, capping a week of exceptional performances on the LPGA Tour. Both players finished the tournament at 22-under par, setting the stage for a tense sudden-death finale.
Kim’s victory marks back-to-back titles at this event, underscoring her consistency and competitiveness on one of professional golf’s most demanding tours. The South Korean star’s ability to handle the pressure in the playoff demonstrated the quality required to win at the highest level of women’s professional golf.
Standout Performances Shape the Leaderboard
Allisen Corpuz finished in solo third place at 21-under par, just one stroke behind the eventual champions. Her consistent play throughout the tournament positioned her well, though she could not quite match the closing efforts of Kim and Vu.
The week featured several remarkable individual moments. Lydia Ko shot a career-low 60 in the opening round, demonstrating that the scoring potential at Whirlwind Golf Club was substantial for those who could piece together complete rounds. Meanwhile, Nelly Korda remained in contention through much of the tournament but ultimately could not sustain her position through Sunday’s final round.
Elite Field Highlights Women’s Golf in March
The championship attracted an accomplished roster that included Anna Nordqvist, Carlota Ciganda, and Linn Grant, illustrating the quality of competition that characterizes LPGA Tour events. The international representation across these competitors reflects the global nature of professional women’s golf, with players from multiple continents competing at the highest level.
Kim’s playoff success caps a tournament that showcased both consistency and dramatic moments, from Ko’s career round to the pressure-filled finale. The victory adds another chapter to what continues to be an accomplished career for the two-time champion.
In this article
