A Lim Kim, the 29-year-old from Korea, overcame a furious comeback at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions from No. 1 Nelly Korda to clinch her third-career LPGA Tour victory.
Kim was playing with a confidence all week unlike any other player, and it really showed Sunday. Kim was fist pumping made putts and celebrating before they even dropped in the hole. Never was that more clear than on the final hole of the week. Kim needed just a par to win, but instead of playing it safe and knocking a putt close, she rammed one into the center of the cup, with the putter already in the air when the ball was about half way through the hole. If it wasn’t on the perfect line, it may have rolled well past.
She needed every bit of confidence, as Korda put together the type of round you would expect from the top ranked player in the world. Korda was -3 on the front nine, and tied the tournament on the par 5 15. Kim responded in turn though, with birdies on 15 and 16. Korda needed to make something special happen to have a chance, and she rose to the occasion, making a long birdie putt on 18 to finish her round at -7 and get back within one stroke.
Kim of course though finished strong with a terrific shot on 17 and great approach out of the rough on 18. Kim was strong across the board throughout the week, using her electric power with a putter that could get hot in an instant.
While Kim only has three wins in her career, including the 2020 U.S. Women’s Open. Her confidence seems high now with two wins in as many years, including one late in 2024. Expect her to continue playing strong and potentially make a run at the Korean International Crown team.
