Jin Young Ko Defends At HSBC Women’s World Championship With Emotional Victory

After a difficult year battling injury, Jin Young Ko is back in the winner’s circle.

Jin Young Ko is back in the winner’s circle with a title defense at the HSBC Women’s World Championship. A 3-under 69 in her final round at Sentosa Golf Club led Ko to a two-shot victory over world No. 2 Nelly Korda. 

The victory is Ko’s first win in a year. In last year’s championship, she beat Minjee Lee and In Gee Chun by two shots. 

At the time, the former world No. 1 was dominating on the LPGA Tour—she shot 34 consecutive rounds under par in early 2022. That all changed when Ko’s struggle with a lingering wrist injury returned, eventually forcing her to take a two-month break from competition. For Ko, the 2023 HSBC win marks a turning point in her upward battle over the last year. 

After her final putt dropped, Ko was visibly emotional as playing partners congratulated her on the breakthrough victory. 

“It's a great honor to defend this title again, and this week was too long for me but too great, so I'm so happy,” Ko said. 

Tears of joy 🥹

Jin young Ko wins the 2023 @HWWCGolf! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/gWzPE46jIA

— LPGA (@LPGA) March 5, 2023

The win is Ko’s 14th on the LPGA Tour. Two of those victories are major championships: the 2019 ANA Inspiration and the 2019 Evian Championship. 

“I think this win is going to be a great moment for me,” Ko said.