Sei Young Kim maintains 2-shot lead at JM Eagle LA Championship

The South Korean golfer struggled late but held on to her advantage heading into the final round.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 2:55am

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An extreme close-up of Sei Young Kim's face dissolving into a vibrant, expressionist painting of neon brushstrokes, capturing the tension and energy of her late-round struggles on the golf course.A painting capturing the emotional roller coaster of Sei Young Kim's late-round struggles at the JM Eagle LA Championship.Los Angeles Today

Sei Young Kim, a 33-year-old South Korean golfer, maintained a two-shot lead at the JM Eagle LA Championship at El Caballero Country Club in Los Angeles despite a late stumble on Saturday. Kim had an eight-stroke lead with five holes remaining but needed to get up-and-down from off the 18th green to salvage the two-shot advantage heading into the final round.

Why it matters

Kim is seeking her 13th LPGA Tour victory and first major championship. The JM Eagle LA Championship is one of the LPGA Tour's premier events, and a win would be a significant career milestone for the veteran South Korean star.

The details

Kim's lead shrunk from eight strokes to two over the final five holes on Saturday. She described the final stretch as feeling "like a roller-coaster." Despite the late struggles, Kim was able to maintain her lead and will take a two-shot advantage into the final round on Sunday.

  • Kim had an eight-stroke lead with five holes left on Saturday.

The players

Sei Young Kim

A 33-year-old South Korean golfer who is seeking her 13th LPGA Tour victory and first major championship.

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What they’re saying

“Oh, wow, it's feel like roller-coaster,”

— Sei Young Kim

What’s next

Kim will look to hold on to her two-shot lead and claim the JM Eagle LA Championship title on Sunday.

The takeaway

Despite a late stumble, Sei Young Kim remains in control of the JM Eagle LA Championship heading into the final round. A victory would be a significant career milestone for the veteran South Korean star as she seeks her first major championship.