Who is Hyo Joo Kim? Profile of the South Korean LPGA Star
Hyo Joo Kim is one of South Korea’s most accomplished female golfers, renowned for her consistency, precision, and mental toughness on the course. Born on July 14, 1995, in Wonju, South Korea, Kim turned professional in 2012 and quickly rose to prominence on the KLPGA Tour, capturing Rookie of the Year honors and multiple titles before joining the LPGA Tour in 2015.
She made global headlines at the 2014 Evian Championship, where she claimed her first major title with a record-breaking 61 in the opening round — the lowest round in a major in LPGA history. Since then, Kim has secured multiple victories on the LPGA Tour, including the 2021 HSBC Women’s World Championship and top finishes at the ANA Inspiration and U.S. Women’s Open.
In Korea, Kim is a national sports icon, having also won the prestigious KLPGA Championship and earning a reputation for her strong iron play and composed demeanor. She continues to be a top-ranked golfer and a consistent presence in major tournaments, including the 2025 ISPS HANDA Women’s Scottish Open.