Hyo Joo was the third player in the LPGA to win the entire tournament at the Volunteers of America 2023 Ascendant LPGA in Texas. South Korean Hyo Joo Kim began the day in a five shot lead, and she never faltered. She won her sixth career title with a final score of 69. Kim finished the tournament with a total of 13-under, four strokes in front of Bianca Pagdanganan.
Kim said that although her results were not bad, she was disappointed because she didn’t win. I was able to spend a lot more time thinking about myself and I want to win before the year is over.
This week, I was able accomplish that and it was just an incredibly happy week for myself.
Kim’s victory earned her $270,000, and she crossed the $2,000,000 mark for the first in her career. Kim has won the LPGA each of the last three seasons.
Pagdanganan, who is known for his long-bombing shots, shot 30 on the final nine holes to finish with 65 and secure a share of 2nd. In only 10 starts, her share of the second place, combined with a T-3 in Arkansas last week, secured her LPGA membership for 2024. Thitikul birdied 5 of her 7 last holes but Kim was unfazed.
Pagdanganan said, “Short games are pretty important in this sport.” “So I’ve just been putting in more hours with chipping and putting around the green.” “I can honestly say that in the last two week’s that was what saved my golf game.”
Atthaya Thtikul of Thailand, and Bianca Pagdanganan of Philippines watch the final round of 2023 Ascendant LPGA Benefiting Volunteers of America held at Old American Golf Club located in The Colony Texas. (Photo: Sam Hodde/Getty Images).
Kemp was one step closer to earning a spot in the CME Group Tour Championship at the end of the season, which is open to the 60 best and tied in the points race for the entire year. Kemp is sponsored by CME.
Kemp said, “It is all I wish to do.” It’s the event of my sponsor, so I’m making it for Terry Duffy. They’ve been so nice to me. “I just want to make them so miserable.”
Lexi Thompson, who was tied for second after the third round at Old American Golf Club, finished the day alone fifth. Thompson is still very pleased with her play as she prepares for the PGA Tour event next week in Las Vegas.
Thompson said, “I will need to be at my best for the next week.” “Get your driver in better tune.” “I didn’t use it much on this course but I will need it there I am sure.”
Cheyenne Knight (a past champion who practices at Shady oaks Country Club and lives in the area) closed with a score of 63, moving her up to sixth place.
Knight said, “I didn’t feel that great this morning.” Knight said, “I feel a bit tired like I have since Solheim. Just been kind of going.
“Once I started, I thought, ok, you have 18 more holes, and I will take a break because I won’t be playing again until Malaysia. I told myself to relax and enjoy the moment. I told myself to enjoy it and put things into perspective.
Katherine Muzi is tied for seventh place in her debut LPGA event. Muzi was a college golfer at USC, and South Carolina. She earned a graduate certificate for data and communication at South Carolina. Muzi is not eligible to compete in the LPGA event in China next week because it’s a limited field event.
Muzi said, “It’s been surreal to be here at my first LPGA event. Like ever. Then I was a pro by accident, just playing. It’s crazy.”
