My remaining goal is to become the number one average hitter

After a year and six months atop the U.S. Women’s Professional Golf (LPGA) Tour, 28-year-old Hyo-Joo

Kim of South Korea has set her sights on the top spot in scoring average for the remainder of the season.

Carded four birdies and two bogeys for a 2-under 69 in the final four rounds of the Ascendant LPGA on

Monday (Sept. 9) at the par-71 Old American Golf Club in The Colony, Texas.

Kim, who finished with a 13-under 271 total, won the tournament at 9-under 275. It was her first win in a

year and six months since the Lotte Championship in April.

With this victory, Kim lifted the trophy for the third consecutive year and improved her career win total to six.

“I didn’t play badly this year, but I was disappointed that I didn’t win. I really wanted to win before the

year was over, and I’m very happy with the result of this tournament,” she said, adding, “I had a heavy

heart, but now I’ve gotten rid of it.”

Kim took the lead on the first day of the tournament and never relinquished it until the final day, when

she lifted the trophy. However, Kim didn’t relax until the very end.

“I was only sure of winning after the last hole,” said Kim. If my shots had been accurate in the fourth

round, I would have been more comfortable and could have finished early. “I started the fourth round

with a five-stroke lead, so I had some time to spare, but I did my best to protect my lead until the end,” said Kim.

Kim, who has been consistently accurate this season, led the division with a 69.790 stroke average

heading into the tournament, but her 67.75 stroke average at the Ascendant LPGA helped her solidify the top spot.

“I set my goals for this year to win the title and have the best scoring average. Now that I’ve achieved the

win, all that’s left is the No. 1 stroke average,” she said. “If I achieve that, it will be a successful season in 2023.”

After a break, Kim will compete in the LPGA Tour’s BMW Ladies Championship at Seowon Hills Country

Club in Paju, Gyeonggi-do, starting on April 19.

“I’m happy to be back home with a trophy,” said Kim, who boarded her flight to Korea in good spirits. I’m

excited to see my parents and my dog, who will be waiting for me. I’m also looking forward to meeting

my new nephew.” 19가이드03

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