Kim moves to World No. 2 with Women’s PGA victory

October 12th, 2020 / Anthony Powter

South Korea’s Sei Young Kim had claimed the first major title of her career at the Women’s PGA Championship with a record-equalling final round 63.

Starting the final day two shots ahead of previous major champions Anna Nordqvist and Brooke Henderson at Philadelphia’s Aronimink Golf Club, Kim shot seven birdies, including four in five holes on the back nine, to finish five shots clear of fellow South Korean and three-time Women’s PGA champion Inbee Park.

Sei Young Kim Sei Young Kim (Credit: LPGA Tour)

Her maiden major title adds to her 10 previous LPGA Tour victories. Kim, a 2016 Olympian, was runner-up at the 2015 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and tied for second at the Evian Championship in 2018.

She held the 54-hole lead at a major just once prior to this week, at the 2015 ANA Inspiration, where she finished in a tie for fourth.

“I’m so excited, I’m actually really hiding my tears at the moment,” said Kim. “It was a major that I really wanted so very excited and happy that I got it done.”

What’s In The Bag: Sei Young Kim

  • Titleist Pro V1 Golf Ball
  • TaylorMade M5 Driver
  • TaylorMade SIM Fairway (3W)
  • TaylorMade SIM Fairway (5W)
  • TaylorMade SIM Hybrid
  • Mizuno JPX 919 Tour (4), Mizuno MP-20 MMC (5-PW)
  • Titleist Vokey SM8 Wedges (50º, 56º)
  • Scotty Cameron T22 Teryllium Newport Prototype Putter

Kim earned US$645,000 for the victory and has now won an LPGA title every year since 2015, which includes collecting the LPGA’s Tour scoring record when she shot 31-under at the 2018 Thornberry Creek LPGA Classic.

Her victory means nine of the past 10 major champions were first time major winners. She joins Sophia Popov (Women’s British Open) and Mirim Lee (ANA Inspiration) as this year’s major champions.

The final LPGA major of the year, the US Women’s Open, will take place from December 10-14.

Defending champion Hannah Green was the best of the Australians finishing in a share of 23rd position. Katherine Kirk was next in a share of 54th position followed by Minjee Lee in a tie for 58th position.

Su Oh and Sarah Kemp missed the weekend along with Sarah Jane Smith.