Youmin Hwang wins first LPGA title at Lotte Championship in Hawaii

Youmin Hwang, a 22-year-old South Korean golfer, won her first LPGA Tour event at the Lotte Championship with a final score of 17-under 271, finishing one stroke ahead of Hyo Joo Kim. Hwang shot a career-best and course-record 10-under-par 62 in the second round, which included an eagle and nine birdies, giving her a three-shot lead midway through the tournament. Despite a 3-over 75 on Friday, she rallied with five birdies in the last six holes on Saturday to secure the victory. Hwang, playing on a sponsor invitation as a Korean LPGA member, now has the option to immediately join the LPGA Tour or defer membership until 2026. Other notable performances included Japan's Minami Katsu finishing third at 15 under and Nelly Korda, the second-ranked player, finishing three strokes back at 14 under. The LPGA Tour will continue with a series of tournaments in Asia following this event.