Hyo Joo Kim Shatters LPGA 54-Hole Record with Historic Performance
South Korean golfer Hyo Joo Kim delivered a masterful performance in the third round of the Ford Championship, carding her second 61 (-11) of the week to establish a new LPGA Tour record for lowest 54-hole score at 25-under 191.
Putting Excellence Drives Historic Round
Kim's exceptional round featured seven consecutive one-putt greens, highlighted by a spectacular stretch on the back nine where she recorded birdie-birdie-eagle-birdie. Her putting prowess was evident throughout, requiring only 25 putts for the entire round. Even when shots went awry, like her pulled approach on the 16th hole, fortune favored her as the ball bounced perfectly to within seven feet for another birdie.
Battle with Nelly Korda Continues
Despite entering the round with a two-shot deficit, world-class competitor Nelly Korda managed a bogey-free 67 (-5), which would typically be considered excellent. However, Kim's extraordinary scoring left Korda trailing by four shots heading into the final round. This marks their fifth consecutive round playing together, setting up what promises to be an exciting head-to-head finale.
Record-Breaking Potential
As the defending champion who also won last week's Founders Cup, Kim has positioned herself to potentially break the 72-hole LPGA record of 257 set by Sei Young Kim in 2018. With her current form and putting touch, Sunday's final round could witness another piece of LPGA history.
The performance showcased why Kim has emerged as one of the tour's most consistent winners, combining technical precision with mental fortitude in pressure situations.
Kim's putting performance represents exceptional efficiency from a Strokes Gained perspective, with 25 putts over 18 holes indicating significant advantage in the short game category that often determines tournament outcomes.