Hyo-Joo Kim took advantage of an early morning start to claim the maiden Aramco Team Series presented by PIF – Korea title today, 12 May, at New Korea Country Club in Seoul.
The South Korean LPGA star joined the Ladies European Tour (LET) event to tee it up in Seoul in front of her devoted fans, and they were rewarded with a performance to remember.
Resuming the rest of her second round after rain stopped play, Hyo-Joo Kim was able to move to six-under-par, setting up a blockbuster final grouping with Mariajo Uribe (-4) and Charley Hull (-3).
Despite a strong start from Hull, Hyo-Joo Kim was able to remain focussed on the task at hand – stepping up a gear on the back nine, with birdies on 14, 16 and 17 putting her in the driving seat.
For large parts, however, it was close, with just one stroke in it on the tenth hole – with LPGA stars Hull and Kim showing their class at a tough course.
“Playing alongside Charley certainly brought out my competitive edge,” said the South Korean in her winning press conference.
“When there are so many birdies in a group, it elevates everyone’s competitive spirit, and I think it worked pretty well for me. Thanks to Charley, I was able to focus even more.”
“I’m really happy to have won. It was my first victory at an LET tournament, and it felt special to now have a winning record on each tour.
“I’m now going to have a two day party here in Korea, before I get back to practice.”
The early morning session also saw the exciting conclusion of the team event, as Team Uribe were unable to catch up to Team Kang – who were able to claim the title with a score of 23-under-par.
Speaking in the winning team press conference, Danielle Kang was keen to heap praise on the team format, with the win ensuring Kang’s visit to Korea was a memorable one.
“Golf is often seen as an individual sport, so playing as a team was refreshing,” said Kang.
“The support from teammates makes a big difference, especially mentally. Personally, I prefer the team format as it motivates me to perform better for the team rather than just myself, it feels more fulfilling than winning alone.”
It wasn’t to be for Charley Hull on the day, who despite her final round of insert score, came up just short of winner Hyo-Joo Kim.
For Hull, who recorded a string of five birdies in seven holes on the front nine, there was plenty of positives to take, as she continues her bid for her first win since 2022.
“It’s a tricky course, and the greens are tough, and there’s not many positions you can put the pins in – they’re very slopey, so you have to hit it in the right sides.”
“But I played really well today and I’m really happy with the round. Hoo-Jyo [Kim] kind of run away with it in the end, and she holed some great putts for birdie”.
“I’m happy with the week overall, but it’s hard when you don’t win and you’re second again.”
The Aramco Team Series presented by PIF will next head to London from 3-5 July, with the strong field set to be announced soon.
For more information, please visit aramcoteamseries.com
