A Lim Kim Triumphs in Hawaii, Secures Second LPGA Win

A Lim Kim of South Korea clinched her second career LPGA Tour title with a 4-under 68 in the final round of the Lotte Championship at Hoakalei Country Club in Ewa Beach, Hawaii. Kim entered the final round with a one-shot lead and held on to win by two strokes with an 18-under 270. Russia’s Nataliya Guseva finished second after carding a 3-under 69 on Saturday.

Kim, who won the 2020 US Women’s Open, impressed with her consistent play, recording 25 birdies throughout the tournament including an ace. Despite bogeys on the par-4 second and par-3 ninth holes, Guseva showed resilience with five birdies but ultimately fell short of becoming the first Russian golfer to win an LPGA title.

Auston Kim recorded the lowest round of the day, a 5-under 67 but a slowdown on the back nine left her in third place, three shots behind Lim Kim. Japan’s Nasa Hataoka matched Auston Kim’s 67 to finish fourth, four strokes off the lead.

Ryann O’Toole (70) and Japan’s Yuri Yoshida (69) tied for fifth while South Korea’s Jin Young Ko (70) took seventh. Lindy Duncan (68) placed eighth and Hyo Joo Kim (69) and Angel Yin (69) finished in a tie for ninth.

A Lim Kim’s victory in Hawaii comes after an impressive performance in which she handled the challenges of the course with confidence. Reflecting on the win, she noted that she felt more comfortable in Hawaii despite the tough conditions.