Youmin Hwang celebrated a significant milestone on March 30, 2024, as she secured her first LPGA Tour victory at the LOTTE Championship held at the Hoakalei Country Club in Hawaii. Hwang showcased remarkable skill, birdying the final four holes and five of the last six to finish with a score of five-under 67, edging out South Korea’s Hyo Joo Kim by one stroke.
“This is my dream,” Hwang expressed through a translator after her victory. “Finally, I achieved my dream here at the LOTTE Championship, and I also very much look forward to my future as well in the LPGA.” Her performance was particularly impressive, as she tied for the lead with Kim and Minami Katsu after a birdie on the par-four 17th hole.
A fortunate turn of events occurred when both Katsu and Kim bogeyed the 17th, allowing Hwang to gain a crucial edge. On the challenging par-five 18th, she hit her second shot into the rough but expertly chipped within a foot of the hole, securing her first win.
Despite finishing three strokes back at 17-under, Nelly Korda, the second-ranked player in the world, remains without a victory this year. Korda completed her round with a score of 69, placing her alongside Peiyun Chien and Jessica Porvasnik, who both shot 70, while Iwai finished with a 71.
Korda reflected on her season, stating, “Overall, I’m putting myself into contention.” She acknowledged the challenges she faced, saying, “It’s definitely an interesting year for me result-wise, but at the end of the day, I’m giving it 100 percent, controlling what I can control and I’m happy with that.”
The world number two expressed her passion for the sport: “I just love the grind. I love going out there, competing, doing what I love, playing in front of the fans who are just as passionate about the game as we are, and also going home and working hard on my craft.”
With the conclusion of the LOTTE Championship, the LPGA Tour now shifts its focus to Asia, with tournaments scheduled for five consecutive weeks in Shanghai, South Korea, Malaysia, and Japan. This upcoming series of events promises to bring more excitement as top players compete for titles in diverse settings.
