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 October 22, 2023, finishing four strokes ahead of her competitors. The tournament, held at Pine Beach Golf Links in Haenam, South Korea, marked a significant milestone in Kim’s career as she achieved her first win in her home country.

Kim, who shot a final-round 67, completed the tournament with an impressive total of 24-under 264. Her performance included six birdies and a lone bogey at the par-3 third hole. This victory represents her 13th career win and her first since the 2020 ANNIKA. Notably, she becomes the 27th different woman to win on the LPGA Tour this season, setting a new tour record.

Reflections on a Meaningful Win

After her victory, Kim expressed her joy and relief during a post-match interview. “So there were many chances where I could have won, so I thought very hard why I couldn’t get the chances,” the 32-year-old golfer remarked. She acknowledged her previous struggles and the lessons learned from her experience.

“I realized that trying to set a particular way to resolve that wasn’t really working,” she continued. “From the China event, I tried to reset the whole thing… just doing impromptu and just facing the challenge.” For Kim, this realization was as significant as the trophy itself, highlighting her personal growth in the sport.

Strong Performances from Competitors

Despite Kim’s dominance, other players delivered commendable performances. Japan’s Nasa Hataoka finished the tournament with a score of 268 after also carding a final round of 67. Hataoka reflected positively on her experience, stating, “I had a great week. I played pretty solid every single day, and I really enjoyed playing with Sei Young in the last group.”

French golfer Celine Boutier and South Korean Kim A-lim tied for third place, both concluding the tournament at six strokes behind Kim. Boutier noted, “Definitely some positives,” while acknowledging areas for improvement in her game.

Defending champion Hannah Green from Australia finished tied for fifth place alongside American Yealimi Noh, concluding the tournament with a score of 271 after a final round of 66. Green expressed satisfaction with her performance, despite the added pressure of defending her title. “I think coming back to a place where I am defending, I put a bit more pressure on myself, but I felt like my game was good,” she said.

Kim’s triumph at the BMW Ladies Championship not only adds to her accolades but also underscores her resilience and determination in a sport that demands both skill and mental fortitude. As the LPGA Tour continues, her victory serves as an inspiring reminder of what can be achieved through perseverance and self-discovery.