What a performance, folks! Hyo Joo Kim secured victory on the LPGA Tour at the 2026 Ford Championship, showing everyone who rules the green. At the Whirlwind Golf Club in Phoenix, Arizona, she not only triumphed athletically but also took a hefty slice of the pie: A cool $337,500 went to the winner from the total $2.25 million prize purse.
The tournament maintained a substantial total prize money of $2.25 million, just like in 2025. The top 65 players were eligible for prize money, with official payouts reflecting final results and any ties. In the end, the largest portions naturally went to the players who truly delivered strong performances on the course.
Cash & Glory: The Top Earners from the Ford Championship
Leading the pack, standing in the spotlight, was of course Hyo Joo Kim. With an impressive total score of 260 strokes, an incredible 28-under par, she clinched the victory and the $337,500 prize. But the contenders also had reason to celebrate:
- Hyo Joo Kim: 260 strokes (-28) | $337,500
- Nelly Korda: 262 strokes (-26) | $206,790
- Minami Katsu: 265 strokes (-23) | $150,012
- Lydia Ko: 268 strokes (-20) | $116,046
- In Gee Chun: 269 strokes (-19) | $93,405
Kim's Stellar Round and the Season in Full Swing
This success marked the fifth LPGA event of the 2026 season, and Hyo Joo Kim's performance was simply a stellar round. She posted sensational rounds of 61-69-61-69 – a consistency that only the best can deliver at this level. Nelly Korda also showed her readiness and desire to compete with a round of 63 on the first day. The payouts, by the way, guarantee the winner 15% of the total prize money, and all 75 professionals who completed the four rounds were accounted for. A strong start to the golf year for the ladies!
