BRADENTON, Fla. — Yealimi Noh transformed a one-shot deficit into a commanding three-shot advantage over Jin Young Ko in just two holes on the back nine during the final round of the Founders Cup, ultimately winning her first LPGA title.
The 23-year-old golfer from Northern California finished with a flawless, 3-under par 68, bringing her four-day total to 21-under 263 at the Bradenton Country Club. This score put her four strokes ahead of Ko, who carded a 71. Noh last dropped a shot on the second round of the tournament, completing Friday’s play with a bogey, before breaking out with an impressive 63 on Saturday.
This victory marked Noh’s 111th career tournament appearance, kicking off her sixth season on the LPGA tour. “I always believed it would eventually happen. The question was more about the timing. I’ve seen many peers my age scoring wins and I was always waiting for my turn,” she reflected on her journey.
Noh highlighted her achievement, especially since it occurred during the season’s first tournament, stating, “To finally get it done at this event feels really great.”
After 10 consecutive pars allowed Ko to briefly take the lead, Noh regained her momentum on the par-4 13th and 14th holes with birdies of 15 feet and 12 feet respectively, while Ko stumbled with bogeys, marking her first of the week.
Since switching to a broomstick putter last year, Noh experienced a resurgence in her performance and confidence. “I struggled with my putting last year, but the transition to a broomstick helped restore my belief in my abilities,” she noted.
Ko, a seasoned competitor with 15 wins including two major championships, expressed more disappointment about concluding her streak of 95 consecutive bogey-free holes than finishing behind Noh. This streak went back to Saturday at the season-opening Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions. “Today, I made a bogey, but that wasn’t my main focus. I wanted to maintain my run until at least Thailand or Singapore. I put forth my best effort and it was a great week overall,” Ko shared.
Megan Khang finished in third place, shooting a 68, while Miyu Yamashita, Hannah Green, and Jin Hee Im tied for fourth at 13-under par. Top player Nelly Korda closed her day with a 71, finishing nine strokes behind the champion.
Noh’s consistent performances earned her a captain’s pick for the Solheim Cup in 2021, although she faced challenges in subsequent seasons. However, she made 21 cuts out of 25 events in 2024. “Putting up better results and regaining my confidence, alongside being in contention several times last season, prepared me well for this week. I felt ready; I knew this year would be a significant one for me,” she concluded.
