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SEOUL: Hyo-Joo Kim took advantage of an early morning start to win the first title of the Aramco Team Series presented by PIF – Korea on Sunday at the New Korea Country Club in Seoul.

The South Korean LPGA star joined the Ladies European Tour event to play in Seoul in front of her devoted fans, and they were rewarded with an unforgettable performance.

Resuming the remainder of her second round after rain stopped play, Kim was able to move to 6 under par, setting up a blockbuster final group with Mariajo Uribe (-4) and Charley Hull (-3).

Despite a strong start from Hull, Kim managed to stay focused on the task at hand – stepping up a gear on the back nine, with birdies at 14, 16 and 17 putting her in command.

However, for much of it it was close, with just one shot at the 10th hole – with LPGA stars Hull and Kim showing their class before Kim’s final round, 4 under, meant she finished three strokes ahead of her rival.

“Playing alongside Charley definitely brought out my competitive edge,” said the South Korean.

“When there are so many birdies in a group, it builds everyone’s competitive spirit, and I think it worked pretty well for me. Thanks to Charley, I was able to concentrate even more.

“I’m really happy to have won. It was my first win in a LET tournament, and it’s special to now have a winning record in every round.

“I will now have a two-day party here in Korea before returning to training.”

It was not the day for Hull who, despite his last round of 4 under par, missed his turn.

But for Hull, who recorded a run of five birdies over seven holes on the front nine, there were plenty of positives to take away as she chases her first victory since 2022.

She said: “It’s a tricky course, and the greens are tricky, and there aren’t many positions you can put the pins in – they’re slanted, so you have to hit them the right way.

“But I played really well today and I’m really happy with this round. Hyo-Joo kind of got away with it at the end, and she made some great putts for birdie. I’m happy with the week overall, but it’s difficult when you don’t win and you’re second again.

The morning session also saw the thrilling conclusion of the team event, with Team Uribe failing to catch Team Kang, who took the title with a score of 23 under par.

Danielle Kang went on to praise the team’s format, with the win ensuring their visit to Korea will be a memorable one.

She said: “Golf is often seen as an individual sport, so playing as a team was refreshing.

“The support of teammates makes a big difference, especially mentally. Personally, I prefer the team format because it motivates me to perform better for the team rather than for myself. It’s more rewarding than winning alone.

The Aramco Team Series presented by PIF will then travel to London from July 3-5, with a strong field to be announced soon.