Yealimi Noh produced a bogey-free 3-under 68 on Sunday to clinch her first LPGA Tour victory at the Founders Cup in Florida.
Noh, 23, finished at 21-under 263 for the four days at Bradenton Country Club, four shots clear of Jin Young Ko (71) and three ahead of Megan Kang (68).
The win was highlighted by Noh’s resilience when she turned a one-shot deficit into a three-shot lead over Ko in a span of just two holes: Noh birdied 13 and 14 while Ko bogeyed both holes – a four-shot swing.
“Yeah, it was amazing,” said Noh. “Being paired with Jin Young for the last two days, it was my first time playing with her yesterday and it was awesome to watch. I knew she wasn’t going to make any mistakes and be really solid.
“When I saw my opportunity and I kept it together, I was really proud of myself. It was awesome to watch her play and learn from her, too.”
Noh had switched to the broomstick putter last year, a move she cited for her increased confidence.
“I was really struggling with my putting in 2023. Switching to the broomstick gave me back my confidence, got my shots back, just boosted my confidence,” she said.
For her maiden tour win, the Northern California native earned $300,000 and locked in a trip to the U.S. Women’s Open at Erin Hills in Wisconsin.
