Hyo Joo Kim Wins LPGA Championship for 2nd Year

April 17, 2026

Submitted By:

Gila River Development

With so many new elements added to the Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass, one thing remained the same: Hyo Joo Kim hoisting the LPGA trophy after the final round. The South Korean golfer bested American Nelly Korda to defend her title at Whirlwind Golf Club’s Cattail Course on March 29. It was also her second consecutive victory after capturing the Fortinet Founders Cup the previous week.

Wild Horse Pass now has two years of experience hosting the tournament and looks to continue the success of the Ford Championship and the LPGA.

“We thank the LPGA, Ford Motor Company, Gila River Resorts & Casinos, and of course everyone at Whirlwind Golf Club for giving these tremendous golfers the opportunity to compete at the highest level. It was truly a banner weekend for Wild Horse Pass,” said Duncan Wiston, general manager of Gila River Development.

The main concern going into the tournament was the record-breaking heat. The LPGA released a heat advisory prior to the event, communicating to the public the precautions put in place to ensure guests had a safe and comfortable experience.

The Valley was in the middle of a historic March heatwave, but golfers still posted impressive scores, with Kim finishing at 28-under par and Korda two strokes behind at 26-under.

The Gila River Indian Community played an important role during the trophy ceremony. The LPGA  Championship trophy was designed by GRIC artist Jaime Jackson. Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis and Lt. Gov. Regina Antone presented Kim with a keepsake from the tribe — a custom-made award created by District 2 artist Lisa Hendricks.

Gov. Lewis said he is looking forward to 2027 and called Kim a true champion. “We’re hoping next year will be even bigger and better,” he said.

Gila River Development Board Vice-Chairman Charles Goldtooth was also present, along with Community Treasurer Gary Mix.

Louie Unga, Whirlwind Golf Club general manager, offered a toast in honor of Kim, the back-to-back winner of the Ford Championship. “[Kim] came back to Phoenix to defend her title and overcame one of the most competitive fields of the year,” he said.

Unga also credited the Whirlwind staff during his remarks.

“Our amazing team worked so hard to make sure we put on an event that everyone could be proud of,” he said.

During her press conference, Kim was asked about Whirlwind Golf Club and the two wins she has earned there during the 2025 and 2026 seasons. Speaking through an interpreter, she said she is not sure why she plays so well at Whirlwind, but noted that her putting made the difference in her victory.

Like in 2025, Gila River Development and the LPGA partnered again to offer complimentary Ford Championship tickets to members of the Gila River Indian Community. The Community Services Department assisted in distributing tickets at each service center, and free general-admission tickets were also available online.