Who is Sei Young Kim? Meet the LPGA champion whose resilience defined her BMW Ladies Championship victory

Sei Young Kim thrilled fans by winning the BMW Ladies Championship in South Korea, ending a five-year wait for an LPGA title. The 32-year-old golfer showed incredible grit and talent, staying strong under pressure from cheering hometown crowds.

Her steady lead all week proved why she inspires so many in golf with her never-give-up spirit.

Sei Young Kim overcomes nerves to claim emotional home win

Kim began the final round with a four-shot lead but felt nervous early on at Pine Beach Golf Links, even bogeying the third hole. She quickly bounced back, scoring birdies on holes five, six, and seven in a row, which helped her keep control of the tournament. Later, she nailed a perfect tee shot on the par-three 15th, making an easy birdie putt that secured her lead.

She finished with a three-under 67, totaling 24 under par with rounds of 62, 66, 69, and 67, beating Nasa Hataoka by four shots.

This win made Kim the 27th different player to win in 26 LPGA events this year, showing how tough the competition is, while she never lost her lead. Her first-round 62 tied the course record, setting her up for a strong week. Yealimi Noh, playing alongside her, pushed hard with three birdies early but finished tied for fifth.

When Kim made her final putt on the 18th, she raised her arms high, filled with joy and relief after a tough journey.“I was very nervous, even today at the first hole. My legs were shaking,” Kim said. “I was so nervous the whole round. I was trying to be focused. Yealimi Noh was chasing me and pushed me. I have to move forward. She’s very motivating for me.” Her honest words showed how hard she fought to stay focused and win for her fans.Also Read: Lucy Li hits hole-in-one and earns car in opening round of BMW Ladies Championship

A trailblazer from South Korea with a legacy of excellence

Kim’s story goes beyond this win, as her career is full of big moments and hard work that make her a role model. She started strong as a young player, earning 18 wins worldwide, including the 2020 Women’s PGA Championship, when she was also named Rolex Player of the Year. Now with 13 LPGA victories, she’s the seventh Korean to win this season, helping South Korea lead all countries with more wins than Japan’s six.

Her red pants on Sundays, inspired by Tiger Woods since her teens, brought luck as she stayed calm to finish strong.

Kim’s $345,000 prize from the $2.3 million purse, plus $10,000 for her record-tying first round, will boost her confidence for next season. With eight top-10 finishes this year, she’s ready to keep competing at the top. After seeing another player lose a big lead the week before in Shanghai, her strength stood out even more.“I can’t believe it’s been a long time since the last win,” Kim said. “Since the last three holes, I was kind of emotional and wanted to pay attention to what I’m doing. The fans helped me a lot. They cheered for me. I’m glad to win in my hometown. I’m happy to give it to them. It’s an honor.” These words show how much the fans’ support meant, making her victory a special moment for everyone.