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

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. 

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.