LOTTE CHAMPIONSHIP

The 2025 LOTTE CHAMPIONSHIP

Youmin Hwang, a 22-year-old Republic of Korea native who was playing on a sponsor exemption, claimed her first victory in an LPGA Tour event at the 2025 LOTTE Championship. Hwang birdied the final four holes and five of the last six at windy Hoakalei Country Club in Ewa Beach, Oahu, for a 5-under 67 and a one-shot victory over fellow Korean Hyo Joo Kim - who won the LOTTE in 2022. Japan's Minami Katsu finished in third with a 15-under 273. World No. 2 Nelly Korda tied for fourth for another top-10 finish this year.

Hwang finished at 17-under 271. She shot a career-best 62 on Thursday to open a three-stroke lead, then had a 75 on Friday to drop into a tie for second — a shot behind Akie Iwai of Japan.

"This is my dream," Hwang said through a translator. "Finally, I achieved my dream here at the LOTTE Championship, and I also very much look forward to my future as well in the LPGA. I would like to express my deepest gratitude for LOTTE for inviting me.”

Hwang became the 26th different athlete to win on the LPGA Tour in 2025. She was also the first non-member to win on the LPGA Tour since Rio Takeda took home the TOTO Japan Classic title in November 2024. She is the sixth different Korean athlete to triumph in 2025, joining Jin Hee Im, A Lim Kim, Hyo Joo Kim, Somi Lee and Haeran Ryu. Hwang is the second consecutive Korean winner of the LOTTE Championship, as A Lim Kim won the 2024 LOTTE Championship.

Pernilla Lindberg of Sweden and Stacy Lewis of the U.S. both celebrated their retirement from the LPGA at the 2025 LOTTE Championship with flower lei, cake and champagne - and a lasting legacy.

See you next October for the 2026 LOTTE Championship!

For more news and information, please visit lpga.com.