Hyo Joo Kim won for the fifth time on the LPGA Saturday in Hawaii, capturing the Lotte Championship by two shots over Hinako Shibuno.
Kim’s final-round 71 got her to 11 under for the week at at Hoakalei Country Club, which was hosting the event for the first time. She punctuated her win by chipping it close on the 18th hole and then making a short birdie putt.
“I’m proud of that shot,” said Kim. “Maybe I made a lot of people like sit on the edge of their chairs, so I felt great about it.”
Since 2012, the champion of the Lotte has gone on to win multiple LPGA titles in the same year.
Hye-Jin Choi was solo third at 7 under. Ashleigh Buhai was solo fourth at 6 under. Somi Lee was solo fifth at 5 under. Brianna Do, who Monday qualified, played in the final group after a third-round 67 but closed her week with a 5-over 77 to finish tied for 12th. Defending champion Lydia Ko tied for 18th at 1 under.
Six players withdrew from the event, including Brooke Henderson and Danielle Kang, who both did so after their first rounds.
Another ace
CME Group is donating $20,000 for every hole-in-one on the LPGA in 2022 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. There have been 10 aces so far this year with Giulia Molinaro making the latest on the par-3 15th hole in the final round of the Lotte Championship. Molinaro has a 50-degree wedge from 123 yards.
Up next
The LPGA heads to Los Angeles for back-to-back events: the DIO Implant LA Open at Wilshire Country Club and the Palos Verdes Championship at Palos Verdes Golf Club.
