Kim Hyo Joo Defeats Nelly Korda Again to Win LPGA Ford Championship in Back-to-Back Victory

South Korean golfer Hyo Joo Kim captured her first back-to-back LPGA victories, winning the Ford Championship at 28-under 260 and defeating Nelly Korda for the second consecutive week.

Dramatic Final Round Turnaround

Starting the final round with a four-shot lead, Kim appeared destined for the LPGA 72-hole scoring record after three early birdies. However, a double bogey on the par-4 eighth hole dramatically shifted momentum. Kim's tee shot found trouble, leading to a costly mistake that brought Korda within striking distance.

The turning point came at holes 9 and 10, where Korda missed a short par putt while Kim responded with an approach shot to 18 inches for birdie - a crucial two-shot swing that effectively decided the tournament.

Korda's Putting Struggles

Despite recording her career-best 26-under finish, Korda's putting proved costly. Multiple short misses, including a 2-foot par putt on the 15th hole, prevented her from mounting a serious challenge. This marked Korda's second runner-up finish in three starts this season.

Kim's Hot Streak Continues

The 30-year-old's victory, following her Founders Cup win last week, represents a remarkable streak that included two rounds of 61. Kim playfully referenced Korda's 2024 five-win streak, saying she "wanted to ask Nelly how it feels to win back-to-back."

This marks the fifth consecutive tournament where the two players were grouped together, with their rivalry becoming one of the LPGA's most compelling storylines.