Kim Hyo-joo, the 'LPGA's lowest record', is showing a strong performance and winning consecutive championships... "I can't believe it" The world's No. 1 is also complimented

*This content was translated by AI.

Kim Hyo-joo (31, Lotte) has rewritten the history of the LPGA Tour with her exciting putt sense. Kim Hyo-joo, who cut 11 hits in a single day, pushed out Nelly Koda of the U.S. to become the lone lead, and had a solo system to win for two consecutive weeks and win for the second consecutive tournament.

Kim Hyo-joo swept an eagle and nine birdies in the third round of the LPGA Tour Ford Championship (total prize money of $2.25 million) at the Willwind Golf Club Cattail Course (par 72) in Chandler, Arizona on the 29th (Korea time).

It is a milestone. Kim Hyo-joo broke the previous record by one stroke with a 25-under 191 overall, and became the heroine of the lowest par record based on 54 holes in LPGA history.

According to "AP News," Kim Hyo-joo said in an interview after the game, "It was a perfect round where everything from drivers to irons to putters flowed as I wanted."

Kim Hyo-joo's play on this day was a wonder itself. Kim Hyo-joo, who finished preheating by posting four birdies in the first half alone, started a full-fledged drive in the second half. From the 10th hole to the 13th hole, he recorded a birdie-buddy-eagle-buddy, and immediately beat Koda to the top of the leaderboard. He also added a birdie on the 16th hole, continuing his rise. Kim Hyo-joo recorded only 25 putts on the day.

Koda, the world's No. 1 ranking, who was leading until the second round, did well with a 5-under 67 without a bogey, but it was not enough to stop Kim Hyo-joo's momentum. Koda, who fell to second place (21-under 195), four strokes behind Kim Hyo-joo, said, "When I play with a player like Kim Hyo-joo, I don't feel like I did a good job even though I hit 5-under," adding, "His golf was incredibly fantastic."

The relationship between the two players is also interesting. Kim Hyo-joo also won the wire-to-wire title at the Founders Cup last week, shaking off Koda's pursuit by one stroke. Including the final round of this tournament, the two players will face off in the same group for five consecutive rounds. Kim Hyo-joo expressed respect, saying, "Nelly is my favorite player and it's fun to play together."

Korean players also showed outstanding performances. Yoon Na-na, who is in her second year at the LPGA, reduced her five shots and tied for third with Lydia Ko (New Zealand) with a 16-under 200 total. Chun finished eighth with a 15-under 201. Yoo Hae-ran also significantly reduced the number of strokes and jumped to a tie for 17th place.

Kim Hyo-joo, who participated as a defending champion, is expected to achieve nine wins and break the record of the lowest number of pars (257 pars) in 72 holes if she secures the championship in the final round.

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*This content was translated by AI.