Okay, folks, brace yourselves! Saturday's Lotte Championship in Hawaii delivered a real sensation that knocked us all off our feet. South Korea's Hwang You-min sealed her first LPGA Tour victory with an incredible closing round of 67 strokes – that's five under par. And yes, she absolutely left everyone in her dust once again!
The 22-year-old from Seoul threw a birdie party on the final four holes that was truly something else. Four birdies in a row – phew! This left her at an astounding 17 under par at Hoakalei Country Club. What a spectacular round from this young golfer!
That was easily enough to leave a truly top-tier field in her wake. Her compatriot Kim Hyo-joo finished with a round of 68 at a strong 16 under par, securing second place. Japan's Minami Katsu was just two strokes back at 15 under par, while US superstar Nelly Korda finished in fourth place, alongside three other golfers.
Hwang herself was completely stunned after her triumph. No wonder, as this victory means her first LPGA Tour Card ever! A true milestone, dear golfers. "I could hardly believe it myself," Hwang admitted through an interpreter, "but my caddie supported me wonderfully throughout the entire round." Things are certainly looking up for her!
Unfortunately, things didn't run quite so smoothly for Korda; it was really tough out there on the green. Her dreams of victory were dashed with a really costly bogey on the 16th hole. After that, she was at 14 under par, with only two holes left. The two-time Major winner and former world number one, Korda, was visibly annoyed by the mistake. "I am a bit disappointed," Korda said. "That one hole where I bogeyed – I still had a chance for par and I didn't make the short putt." Ouch! That really stings!
But Nelly wouldn't be Nelly if she wasn't already looking forward. "But ultimately, I'm contending at the top," Korda stated. "Results-wise, it's definitely an interesting year for me, but I'm giving 100 percent, controlling what I can control, and I'm happy with that." Respect, Nelly! It's truly impressive how she shakes that off.
