THE ASCENDANT LPGA BENEFITING VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA

October 8, 2023

Hyo Joo Kim

Golf Clubs at The Tribute

Press Conference

THE MODERATOR: Joined now by the 2023 Ascendant LPGA benefitting Volunteers of America champion, Hyo Joo Kim. You had 8 top 10 finishes coming into today. How does it feel to finally get that win?

HYO JOO KIM: My results this year wasn't bad, but there was some disappointment because I didn't have a win. I had a lot of the time to think just for myself, and before this year passes I really want to win.

This week I was able to accomplish that and it was just a really happy week for me.

Q. Was there a moment today during your round that you felt comfortable that you were going to win?

HYO JOO KIM: Maybe the last hole. I think today if my shots and my putts were going really well, maybe I could have -- I would've been more comfortable a little earlier on, but that wasn't really the case. I really had to focus until the end. Then I knew.

Q. We have to talk about the putt on No. 9, the one where it sat and fell in. What were you thinking prior to it falling in, and just take us through that hole.

HYO JOO KIM: So after I hit the putt, it went down exactly the way I wanted and how I wanted, and it stopped just right before the hole. I was like, how can could this be?

It went in as I was walking, so really happy about that.

Q. Your first wire-to-wire win of your career. How special was it to finally get that wire-to-wire win?

HYO JOO KIM: Honestly, it's not that important. What's important is the win. It was good to maintain the good score throughout the week, but that win at the end is what really matters.

Q. Congratulations.

HYO JOO KIM: Thank you.

Q. Just wondering, you're sitting there next to the Kathy Whitworth Trophy. Can you talk about how Kathy has influenced the game, what she's meant to you and meant to girls across the world?

HYO JOO KIM: That's is difficult question. She's obviously a legend in the game. I don't know if you can put into words the influence that she has to women's golf today. But I think it's because of someone like her that we are able to play the game today.

Q. I have a few for you. Do you feel like there is sort of a weight lifted off your chest coming so close in your two second place finishes and now a win? Do you feel relieved?

HYO JOO KIM: Definitely yes. I do feel like there is a weight of the you shoulders. Obviously the season isn't or yet but I think just with the disappointment that I've had for -- to this point in the season is gone.

Q. With the last events of the season, what is your goals now that you have finally won and what else do you want to do this year?

HYO JOO KIM: I think I'll think about that more tomorrow. Today I just want it soak it in and enjoy this win. I do think that my goal for the season is to hit lowest that I can possible.

Q. Before you head home, I know you're heading home to Korea in a few weeks and going to play up there. What does it mean to go home now that you have a win? Will people be really excited for you over there?

HYO JOO KIM: So my older sister is going to have a baby and I'm going to have I guess a nephew, so I'm really excited to see him.

The fact I'm going back home with a trophy is even better. I know my parents and my dog are waiting for me, so really eager see them as well.

Q. Entering today did you feel any cushion of having a five-shot lead or not really?

HYO JOO KIM: So a five-shot lead feels like a comforting lead, but I did my best to just keep that edge until the end.

Q. Is there a way that you want to end the season in a certain way? Are you sad that Vare Trophy, you weren't voted. Trying to get the lowest score, but what would you consider successful for the end of the season?

HYO JOO KIM: The goal for the season was the low score and obviously to win. I accomplished the win today, so I think the one remaining is hitting the lowest score. I think just achieving what I strive for in my goal, accomplishing all that, would be considered a successful season.

THE MODERATOR: Thank you so much.

HYO JOO KIM: Thank you.