South Korean sophomores Somi Lee and Jin Hee Im clinched their first LPGA Tour titles at the Dow Championship on Sunday, outshining American favorites Lexi Thompson and Megan Khang in a dramatic playoff at Midland Country Club.
Lee’s clutch 8-foot birdie putt on the first extra hole, the par-3 18th, sealed the victory in the LPGA’s only official team event, denying Thompson her first win since 2019.
The teams tied at 20-under 260 after 72 holes, with Lee and Im carding a bogey-free 8-under 62 in the final round’s four-ball format, while Thompson and Khang posted a 10-under 60, sparked by Thompson’s 8-foot birdie on the 18th.
In the playoff’s alternate-shot format, Thompson’s tee shot landed 5 feet from the pin, but Im’s approach set up Lee’s winning putt. Khang’s 5-foot birdie attempt slid low, ending the American duo’s bid.
“I can’t believe it,” Lee said, celebrating with Im, who called them “the best team ever.”
Both LPGA second-year players, with 11 combined KLPGA titles, secured their Tour cards through 2026. Thompson, playing her eighth event of a limited 2025 schedule, and Khang, who was 8-under on her own ball Sunday, were gracious in defeat. “Bummer to miss the last one, but very happy how we played,” Khang said.
