The LPGA Tour’s streak of no repeat winners in 2025 continues thanks to South Korea’s Youmin Hwang’s maiden victory at the LOTTE Championship.
Hwang took part as a sponsor invite, and overcame the likes of Nelly Korda – who is still searching for her first win of the season – Minami Katsu, and fellow South Korean Hyo Joo Kim.
The chasing pack immediately put pressure on the 22-year-old, starting off strong in Sunday’s final round at Hoakalei Country Club. Korda and Katsu both opened with back-to-back birdies, whilst Kim made an impressive run of three consecutive birdies before closing out the front nine. Hwang produced her only bogey of the round at the 5th as her clutch streak of five birdies in the last six holes helped her on her way to carding a five-under 67 and secure a one-shot victory.
“This is my dream,” Hwang said afterwards via a translator. “Finally, I achieved my dream here at the LOTTE Championship, and I also very much look forward to my future as well in the LPGA.”
By becoming the 26th different player to win on the circuit, she made LPGA Tour history tying the record for the most unique winners in one season, matching the record set in 1995 and met again in 2018 and 2022. She was also offered an immediate LPGA Tour membership as a non-member, but has since decided to defer that to 2026, competing instead as a rookie next year.
“I would like to express my deepest gratitude for LOTTE for inviting me,” Hwang said. “I think it’s all the more meaningful that I can play and also win the tournament sponsored by LOTTE, my sponsor as well.”
Kim and Katsu both bogeyed the par-4 17th to drop from the tied lead. The former birdied the 18th to take solo second on 16 under while Katsu finished in third on 15 under. Korda ended the event in a share of fourth alongside fellow American Jessica Porvasnik, Taiwan’s Peiyun Chien, and Japan’s Akie Iwai on 14 under.
“Overall, I’m putting myself into contention.” The World No. 2 said. “It’s definitely an interesting year for me result-wise, but at the end of the day I’m giving it 100%, controlling what I can control and I’m happy with that.”
“I just love the grind,” she added. “I love going out there, competing, doing what I love, playing in front of the fans who are just as passionate about the game as we are, and also going home and working hard on my craft.”
What is the next event?
The next event on the LPGA Tour is the Buick LPGA Shanghai presented by P&G taking place between 9-12 October at Qizhong Garden Golf Club in Shanghai.