South Korean star claims her second title at Sharon Heights, holding off Nelly Korda in a close finish.
Hyo Joo Kim delivered a wire-to-wire performance to secure her second Founders Cup victory at Sharon Heights Golf & Country Club in Menlo Park, California. She finished one shot ahead of Nelly Korda, becoming the eighth South Korean player to reach eight career LPGA wins.
Consistent Play Leads to Victory
Kim, ranked seventh in the world, led from start to finish over four challenging rounds, recording scores of 63, 70, 66, and 73 to end at 16-under-par. Her ability to recover from tricky positions around the green was on display throughout the week, cementing her reputation for reliable play under pressure. This is Kim’s first LPGA win since 2025, and her second time going wire-to-wire, having last done so at the 2023 Ascendant LPGA.
Strong European Performances
Nelly Korda kept pace with Kim, finishing just one stroke behind after four consistent under-par rounds, including a final-round 69. Spanish rookie Carla Tejedo Mulet made headlines in her LPGA debut by sharing fifth place at 10-under-par—the highest placement among rookies in the 2026 season so far.
Spain’s Carla Tejedo Mulet was Europe’s top performer in a tie for 5th, with French professional Perrine Delacoour (T14th) England’s Lottie Woad (T14th) and England’s Jodi Ewart Shadoff (T19th) all recording T20 finishes.
The Founders Cup continues to stand out as a tournament where seasoned pros and emerging players can make their mark early in the year. Kim’s win makes her one of five different champions from the first five events in 2026, highlighting the growing depth of competition on tour.
Image Credit: LPGA, Getty
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