Seoul, Korea: Kim Hyo-joo delivered a composed and professional performance to retain her title at the Aramco Korea Championship on the PIF Global Series, claiming her 25th professional win with a final-round 69 to finish seven-under-par at New Korea Country Club.

The home hero, who claimed victory by three shots over England’s Charley Hull in 2024, returned to the winner’s circle in Korea – this time finishing two shots clear of Switzerland’s Chiara Tamburlini.

The 29-year-old was followed throughout the week by her devoted fan base, who turned out in force to support their favourite player. She did not disappoint, delivering another memorable performance that brought smiles to the faces of local fans.

She said: “It’s really special to be a winner here again and successfully defend my title. This tournament has given me so many great memories, and I’m truly grateful for the support of my fans. I keep using the word ‘happiness’ – it honestly feels like it’s been my birthday all week!

“Instead of focusing on the competition, I tried to concentrate on my own game. I didn’t feel like I was playing particularly well, and I knew I needed to raise my level. At one point, my caddie asked if I was nervous, and that made me realise my performance wasn’t where it needed to be. That was a turning point that helped me refocus.

“Rather than worry about who might be catching me, I focused on meeting my own expectations. I knew I wasn’t at my best, so I concentrated on getting back to my rhythm and playing at my own pace.”

The event is organised by Golf Saudi and part of the newly announced PIF Global Series – a refreshed, five-event initiative on the Ladies European Tour (LET), with PIF as title partner – underscoring PIF’s long-term commitment to the growth of women’s sport.

This was Kim’s second win of her 2025 campaign having won the Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass on the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) in March and her third title on the LET.

When speaking about her fans and how she is going to celebrate tonight, she said: “Golf is my job and it can be stressful. But thanks to my fans, I can really put down this stress and enjoy the game. I lived in the moment and really enjoyed it today. I’ll be celebrating with my family tonight.”

Park Seo-jin, the 17-year-old amateur, was another Korean standout at New Korea Country Club, firing a seven-under 65 in the final round to finish at four-under for the tournament – just one shot behind Tamburlini and two ahead of Austrian Emma Spitz in fourth.

Park, who counts Kim Hyo-joo among her biggest inspirations, spoke about what it meant to compete alongside her idol.

She said: “My role model is Kim Hyo-joo. I had the chance to play with her at the BMW Ladies Championship two years ago, and it left such a strong impression that I’ve looked up to her ever since.

“It’s such a valuable experience to play in international events like this as an amateur. The other players were so friendly and welcoming – it made the tournament even more enjoyable.”

*Golf Saudi is an Executive Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.