Sei Young Kim Claims Wire-to-Wire Victory at BMW Ladies Championship

Sei Young Kim secured a commanding victory at the BMW Ladies Championship on Sunday, October 22, 2023, finishing with a final round of 67. The win, achieved in wire-to-wire fashion, took place at Pine Beach Golf Links in Haenam, South Korea, where Kim triumphed by four strokes, marking her 13th career win and first since the 2020 ANNIKA tournament.

This victory is particularly significant for Kim, as it is her first win in her home country and her first trophy in five years. With a remarkable total score of 24-under 264, Kim became the 27th different woman to win on the LPGA Tour this season, setting a new tour record.

In reflecting on her journey, the 32-year-old expressed her determination to overcome past challenges. “There were many chances where I could have won, so I thought very hard about why I couldn’t get the chances,” Kim said. “But in the past, I was trying to set a particular way to resolve that, and I realize that wasn’t really working. From the China event, I tried to reset the whole thing and not just stick with one method, just doing impromptu and facing the challenge.”

Despite a single bogey at the par-3 third hole during her final round, Kim’s performance featured six birdies, allowing her to maintain a comfortable lead throughout the tournament.

Strong Competition from Fellow Contenders

Nasa Hataoka of Japan finished strong as well, matching Kim’s final round score with a 67, ultimately concluding the tournament at 268. Hataoka remained positive about her performance despite not being able to close the gap. “I had a great week. I played pretty solid every single day, and I really enjoyed playing with Sei Young in the final round,” she stated.

Celine Boutier of France and Kim A-lim of South Korea also showcased their skills, finishing tied for third at six shots behind Kim, both scoring 67 and 66, respectively. Boutier acknowledged her performance, noting, “Definitely some positives. I feel like I could have improved a few shots here and there, especially off the tee, but considering my form, I feel pretty satisfied.”

Defending champion Hannah Green, an Australian, shot a 66 to finish in a tie for fifth place with American Yealimi Noh, seven shots back from Kim. Green commented on her experience, saying, “It was really nice coming back to a place where I am defending, and I felt like my game was good. I had some good results and good people to play with.”

Kim’s impressive triumph at the BMW Ladies Championship not only highlights her resilience but also reinforces her status as a formidable competitor on the LPGA Tour, inspiring both fans and fellow players alike.