Korean Golfers Dominate LPGA Driving Distance Rankings with Three in Top Five

Three Korean players currently rank among the top five in driving distance on the LPGA Tour. Kim A-rim sits in second place at 271.50 yards, Hwang Yu-min in fourth at 270.67 yards, and Yoo Hae-ran in fifth at 270.33 yards.

These rankings reflect results from the season-opening Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions, the only event completed so far this season. Only 39 players who competed in the opener are listed in the driving distance standings.

Nelly Korda of the United States leads at 272.17 yards, with Thailand's Jeeno Thitikul third at 271.33 yards.

Rankings could shift significantly after the Honda LPGA Thailand, the season's second event beginning February 19. Last year's driving distance leader Julia Lopez Ramirez of Spain, third-ranked Auston Kim of the United States, and tenth-ranked Nanna Madsen of Denmark are all competing.

Last season saw a record 20 players average over 270 yards, including three Koreans—also a record. Kim A-rim ranked 11th at 273.32 yards, Yoon I-na 13th at 272.94 yards, and Yoo Hae-ran 19th at 270.05 yards.

Two additional Korean long hitters join the LPGA this year: Hwang Yu-min, who won last year's Lotte Championship as an invited player, and Lee Dong-eun, who earned her rookie card through Q-Series Final.

Lee topped the KLPGA Tour's driving distance rankings last year, while Hwang ranked sixth. In the opening tournament, Hwang outdrove Yoo Hae-ran despite Yoo's 19th-place finish in last year's LPGA driving statistics.

Five Korean players could average over 270 yards this season. Kim A-rim, Yoon I-na, and Lee Dong-eun are considered certain to reach that mark, with Hwang Yu-min and Yoo Hae-ran also likely candidates.

Kim, Yoon, and Yoo will compete at the Honda LPGA Thailand, followed by Hwang joining at the HSBC Women's World Championship. At the Blue Bay LPGA, the third Asian Swing event, Kim, Hwang, and Lee will showcase their power driving—marking Lee's LPGA debut.

All five Korean long hitters will compete together for the first time at the Fortinet Founders Cup, the season's fifth event back in the United States.