Setting the stage for what could be her third LPGA Tour title, A Lim Kim held onto her three-shot lead at the season-opening Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions. Kim and her nearest competitor, Linn Grant, shot a 5-under 67 in the final group at Lake Nona, as reported by ClickOrlando. Kim, the 29-year-old South Korean player, demonstrated a clinical display of skill by holing out from greenside bunkers for an eagle on the ninth and birdie on the 14th, finishing the day at 15-under 201.
While players often tout the importance of their position, Kim kept her focus on preparation and execution, as per ABC News, "My goal, my starting goal always my job, not result," Kim said. "So, I really focus on my prepare, process, and then, just hit it. That’s all. So my position, I don’t care. That’s not important for me." With the best count of 81 putts over three rounds, Kim's game seemed as sharp as ever, as reflected in her previous wins, which include the 2020 U.S. Women's Open and 2024 LOTTE Championship.
Grant, still chasing her second LPGA Tour title since the 2023 Dana Open, also finished strong with a birdie. She's been adjusting all aspects of her game, telling ClickOrlando, "Really trying to figure out where I’m at, all the changes I’ve done, how that feels, and really just trying to get every shot as good as possible." Her stance remained one of optimism and adaptability amidst the evolving golf landscape.
Tied for third place, four strokes behind Kim, are defending champion Lydia Ko and top-ranked Nelly Korda. Both are poised to strike should Kim falter in the final stretch. Emphasizing improvement, especially on the greens, Ko shared with ABC News, "Everything has been pretty solid,” Ko said. “Even the first day I hit the ball decent. Really struggled on the greens. I think that part of my game has improved the most the past couple days. Golf is strange." A sentiment many golfers can likely relate to.
Lauren Coughlin held her own in fifth place at eight under after scoring a 68. On the celebrity side of things, former NHL star Joe Pavelski led the field with 109 points under a Modified Stableford Scoring system, according to ClickOrlando. Showing their competitive edge, former tennis great Mardy Fish and actor Jack Wagner weren't far behind, tied for second, while Asterisk Talley mirrored Pavelski's points to lead the amateur field.
