Kim Tops Korda Again in LPGA for Second Straight Week

Hyo Joo Kim holds off Nelly Korda to win the Ford Championship in Phoenix

Mar. 30, 2026 at 3:54am

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Hyo Joo Kim defeated Nelly Korda for the second consecutive week on the LPGA Tour, closing with a 3-under 69 to win the Ford Championship in Phoenix by two shots. Kim, who also won this event last year, pulled away from Korda around the turn and held on despite a late charge from the American star.

Why it matters

This back-to-back victory for Kim over Korda, one of the top players in women's golf, further cements her status as an elite player on the LPGA Tour. Korda has been dominant in recent seasons, so Kim's ability to beat her twice in a row is an impressive feat.

The details

Kim was poised to break the LPGA scoring record for 72 holes until a double bogey on the 8th hole gave Korda hope. Korda closed the gap to one shot, but missed a short par putt on the 9th and then fell further behind with a two-shot swing on the 10th hole. Korda made a late push with an eagle and birdie, but it was not enough to catch Kim, who finished at 28-under par.

  • Kim won the Ford Championship last year.
  • This was Kim's second straight victory over Korda, having also won the Founders Cup the previous week.

The players

Hyo Joo Kim

A 30-year-old South Korean golfer who now has back-to-back wins on the LPGA Tour, both against Nelly Korda.

Nelly Korda

One of the top players on the LPGA Tour, who has won and finished runner-up three times in her first three starts this season.

Minami Katsu

A Japanese golfer who shot a 65 to finish alone in third place.

Lydia Ko

A former world #1 who opened the tournament with a 60 but finished 8 shots behind the winner in fourth place.

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What they’re saying

“I wanted to ask Nelly how it feels to win back-to-back”

— Hyo Joo Kim

“Where it went wrong? There's a couple shots here and there that I would like to get back, more like a couple putts throughout the week. I'm going to miss a bunch of those putts throughout my entire career, and I just can't get down on myself.”

— Nelly Korda

“Hyo Joo has been playing amazing golf. She a phenomenal player, and person. She definitely motivates me on the golf course.”

— Nelly Korda

The takeaway

Kim's back-to-back victories over Korda, one of the LPGA's top stars, demonstrate her emergence as an elite player on tour. While Korda has been dominant in recent seasons, Kim's ability to beat her twice in a row shows she is a force to be reckoned with in women's golf.