Hyo Joo Kim Wins Fortinet Founders Cup

South Korean golfer holds off Nelly Korda for eighth LPGA Tour victory

Mar. 23, 2026 at 3:19am

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South Korea's Hyo Joo Kim went wire-to-wire to win the Fortinet Founders Cup by one stroke over Nelly Korda in Menlo Park, California. Kim, the world No. 8, shot a 1-over 73 in the final round to finish at 16-under 272 for her eighth career LPGA Tour victory, including this event in 2015 when it was held in Phoenix.

Why it matters

Kim's victory marks her second Fortinet Founders Cup title and continues her strong play on the LPGA Tour. The win also keeps her in the top 10 in the world rankings, while Korda remains at No. 2 despite her runner-up finish.

The details

Kim led by as many as five strokes during the final round but saw her lead shrink to one over Korda at one point. Kim bogeyed five holes on the back nine but countered with four birdies to hold off Korda's late charge. Korda shot a 3-under 69 but missed a short putt on the 17th hole that would have tied Kim.

  • Kim led by two shots after the opening round.
  • Kim led by four shots through Friday's play.
  • Kim led by five shots after three rounds.

The players

Hyo Joo Kim

A 30-year-old professional golfer from South Korea who is ranked No. 8 in the world. Kim has now won eight times on the LPGA Tour, including this event in 2015 when it was held in Phoenix.

Nelly Korda

An American professional golfer ranked No. 2 in the world. Korda finished one stroke behind Kim after shooting a 3-under 69 in the final round.

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What they’re saying

“I don't think I was necessarily shaken up or my emotions were all over the place. I was just trying to keep my focus on my shots and what I was doing. So I think was just trying to keep and lock in on that.”

— Hyo Joo Kim

“The front nine was great. Kind of battled a little bit more on the back nine. Wasn't really kind of producing as much as I was on the front nine. Obviously, something like 17 stings, so it is what it is. It's golf. It's a quick turnaround. There is next week. So, just going to take all the positives.”

— Nelly Korda

What’s next

Kim will look to build on her Fortinet Founders Cup victory when the LPGA Tour heads to its next event next week.

The takeaway

Kim's wire-to-wire victory at the Fortinet Founders Cup demonstrates her consistency and ability to hold off challenges from top players like Nelly Korda. The win solidifies Kim's status as one of the top golfers on the LPGA Tour.