Staff WriterHyo Joo Kim delivered a composed and professional performance to retain her title at the Aramco Korea Championship, and Hyo Joo Kim’s final-round 69 was all it took to finish seven under par at New Korea Country Club.
Claiming her 25th professional win on the PIF Global Series, the home favourite once again showed why she’s the standard-bearer for women’s golf in South Korea.
Home Soil Brilliance
With a comfortable two-shot buffer between herself and Switzerland’s Chiara Tamburlini, Kim danced her way around the rolling greens and teasing breezes of New Korea Country Club like a veteran storyteller weaving through the plot.
Her loyal ‘Shooting Star’ brigade—ever ready to erupt at every birdie or gasp at each wayward wedge—supplied the perfect soundtrack, and Kim delivered the same steely grace that powered her three-stroke conquest of Charley Hull just last year.
“It’s really special to be a winner here again and successfully defend my title. This tournament has given me so many great memories, and I’m truly grateful for the support of my fans.
I keep using the word ‘happiness’ – it honestly feels like it’s been my birthday all week!”
A Champion’s Mindset
Even champions have to dig deep. Midway through Sunday’s round, Kim admitted her game wasn’t crisp.
“Instead of focusing on the competition, I tried to concentrate on my own game. I didn’t feel like I was playing particularly well, and I knew I needed to raise my level.
At one point, my caddie asked if I was nervous, and that made me realise my performance wasn’t where it needed to be – that was a turning point that helped me refocus.
“Rather than worry about who might be catching me, I focused on meeting my own expectations. I knew I wasn’t at my best, so I concentrated on getting back to my rhythm and playing at my own pace.”
Her honesty reveals the mental chess that defines elite golf: it’s not always the swing or the putt, but the stories you tell yourself when nerves knock.
Young Talent Shines
Meanwhile, 17-year-old amateur Seojin Park lit up the leaderboard with a final-round 65, finishing four under par. Park, who idolises Kim, spoke of the inspiration drawn from seeing her hero in action.
“My role model is Hyo Joo Kim. I had the chance to play with her at the BMW Ladies Championship two years ago, and it left such a strong impression that I’ve looked up to her ever since.
“It’s such a valuable experience to play in international events like this as an amateur. The other players were so friendly and welcoming – it made the tournament even more enjoyable.”
PIF Global Series: A New Era for Women’s Golf
Organised by Golf Saudi, the Aramco Korea Championship is the second stop of five on the freshly minted PIF Global Series on the Ladies European Tour (LET).
With PIF as title partner, this initiative underscores a long-term commitment to elevating women’s sport through higher prize funds and global exposure.
Noah Alireza, CEO of Golf Saudi, was bullish about the series’ future: “The conclusion of the PIF Global Series in Seoul marks another bold step forward for the future of women’s golf.
The evolution of the series, which provides greater playing opportunities and higher prize money for players, reflects the growing momentum of women’s golf globally.
This progress also underscores our commitment to expanding sports investments and developing the game’s foundation, reinforcing its position as an inclusive and sustainable sport.
“What this weekend truly demonstrated is that golf is more than just a sport—it’s a bridge connecting people, cultures, businesses, and industries worldwide.
By hosting these global tournaments in places like Korea—with its rich history of success and determination in and beyond golf—we can carry forward these partnerships and valuable experiences as we strive to inspire the next generation in Saudi Arabia by strengthening sports infrastructure and creating new opportunities for growth and excellence.”
Celebration Time
As day turned to night, Kim looked forward to downtime with the people who matter most.
“Golf is my job and it can be stressful. But thanks to my fans, I can really put down this stress and enjoy the game. I lived in the moment and really enjoyed it today. I’ll be celebrating with my family tonight.”
With two wins already on her 2025 résumé—and a LET season that’s barely warmed up—Hyo Joo Kim’s blend of technical mastery and heartfelt joy promises even more headlines as the PIF Global Series continues.
The defending champion’s message? Enjoy the ride, celebrate the victories, and keep chasing happiness—one round at a time.
