Kim Hyo-joo is lacing up her golf shoes again after taking a refreshing break during the Masters, the first major of the men's golf season.
Kim will pursue her third win of the season at the LPGA Tour JM Eagle Los Angeles Championship, a $3.75 million event held at El Caballero Country Club (par 72) in Los Angeles, California, from April 16 through 19 (local time).
Kim holds the highest world ranking (No. 3) among the tournament field. World No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand and No. 2 Nelly Korda of the United States are not participating. The tournament also serves as a warm-up for the Chevron Championship, the first major of the women's golf season, which begins April 23.
With two wins already this season, Kim has an opportunity to extend her lead over Korda in key categories including Player of the Year, scoring average, and prize money. In the Player of the Year standings, Kim leads with 69 points to Korda's 66. Korda holds the top spot in scoring average at 68.27 strokes, with Kim second at 68.70. In prize money, Korda leads at $1,118,718, with Kim in pursuit at $1,002,997.
Among Korean players, 24 are competing including Kim Sei-young, Choi Hye-jin, Lee So-mi, Lim Jin-hee, Ryu Hae-ran, Ko Jin-young, Yun Yi-na, Hwang Yu-min, and Jeon In-ji, in addition to Kim Hyo-joo.
Last year's Rookie of the Year Yamashita Miyu of Japan and Hannah Green of Australia, who won this event in 2023 and 2024, are expected to contend with Korean players for the trophy.
