Hyo Joo Kim captured her seventh LPGA title at the 2025 Ford Championship, shooting a final-round 64 and defeating Lilia Vu in a tense playoff at Whirlwind Golf Club.
🔥 Kim Delivers in the Desert: A Playoff Victory in Arizona
South Korea’s Hyo Joo Kim stormed to her seventh career LPGA title with a clutch playoff victory over Lilia Vu at the 2025 Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass. Held at the sun-scorched Cattail Course at Whirlwind Golf Club in Arizona, Kim closed with a scintillating 64 to force a playoff, then sealed the win with a textbook birdie.
It’s Kim’s first LPGA win since 2022 and a massive momentum boost early in the 2025 season.
🚨 Key Moments & Player Highlights
Kim began the final day five shots back but surged up the leaderboard with seven birdies and an eagle in a masterclass of precision iron play and confident putting. Her 64 matched the lowest round of the tournament and pushed her to -19, tied with Lilia Vu.
The playoff drama escalated quickly. On the first extra hole, Kim stuck her approach inside 10 feet, while Vu’s birdie bid slid past the edge. Kim calmly rolled in her putt to secure the win and the $337,500 winner’s check.
🎯 Kim’s Championship Performance
Kim’s final round included a near-perfect front nine, where she picked up five birdies and showcased her elite ball striking. Her back nine was defined by a clutch eagle on the par-5 14th, giving her the spark she needed to contend for the title.
According to LPGA.com, Kim led the field in strokes gained approach and ranked second in total birdies.
“I just trusted my game,” Kim said in her post-win press conference. “Even after the front nine, I felt there was more out there. I stayed aggressive and believed in myself.”
💥 Contenders Who Made It Close
Charley Hull was in contention for much of the tournament and started the final round in the lead, but a few late bogeys derailed her charge.
World No. 1 Lilia Vu played steady throughout the week and looked poised for victory until Kim’s final-round charge. Vu’s second-place finish strengthens her position atop the Rolex Rankings.
🌍 Impact on the Golf World
Kim’s win reasserts her status as one of Asia’s most consistent LPGA stars. With seven LPGA titles now to her name, including a major, she’s building a legacy of quiet dominance.
The win also provides a significant boost to her Solheim Cup contention and reshuffles early-season narratives heading into the majors.
🎉 Fan Experience & Tournament Atmosphere
The Ford Championship delivered an exciting fan experience with clear skies, dramatic leaderboard swings, and playoff theatrics. The Cattail Course drew praise for its layout and challenge, especially the risk-reward par-5s that decided much of the action.
Ford’s commitment to growing the women’s game was visible throughout, with packed galleries and an electric atmosphere on Sunday.
🏆 GOAT Meter: Hyo Joo Kim’s Rise Continues
Progress toward all-time greatness status:
- ✅ Seventh LPGA title secured
- ✅ First playoff victory since 2016
- ✅ Final-round 64 under pressure
- ✅ Major champion and multiple-time LPGA winner
- 🕓 Needs consistent major contention to reach top-tier GOAT status
🔥 Verdict: Hyo Joo Kim continues to build a quiet but impressive legacy — this win reminds everyone why she’s a serious contender in any field.
🔮 What’s Next for Hyo Joo Kim?
Kim is expected to tee it up at the upcoming Chevron Championship, where she’s among the favorites. With momentum on her side and her confidence restored, Kim may be poised for a major run in 2025.
This win not only adds another trophy to her case, but sends a message — Hyo Joo Kim is once again a serious force on the LPGA Tour.
