South Korea's Youmin Hwang, who entered the tournament via sponsor invite, won the 2025 Lotte Championship at Hoakalei Country Club in ‘Ewa Beach on Saturday.
Hwang, who entered without any LPGA wins, stunned the field with a four-round total of 17-under 271 despite shooting a 3-over 75 in the third round on Friday. After shooting a 67 on Saturday, Hwang eagerly watched the 18th hole from outside the green, followed by a contingent of media to capture her reaction in case a playoff was not forced.
After the victory was made official, Hwang collected the winner's check of $450,000, then tried her hand at the hula, which has become customary on the 18th green for Lotte winners. The victory also secured Hwang a spot on the LPGA Tour for a future season.
"This is my dream," Hwang said through an interpreter following her victory. "Finally I achieved my dream here at the Lotte Championship, and I also very much look forward to my future as well in the LPGA."
Hwang held off runner-up Hyo Joo Kim, who finished the tournament a stroke below her. Meanwhile, Japan's Minami Katsu finished in third with a 15-under 273.
Among local players who made the cut, Allisen Corpuz finished tied for 14th with a four-round total of 10-under 278, leaving home with $40,045 in prize money.
"Like I've said over and over again, this is the event that I grew up watching," Corpuz said after wrapping up play. "It's definitely what inspired me to be out here today. And so to just have a good week, it's really special."
On Corpuz's walk back to the clubhouse, she stopped to tend to autograph and picture requests for a handful of minutes.
"It's really special. Our tour doesn't exist without the fans and spectators," Corpuz said. "I also had a lot of family and friends out watching as well. I have two high school friends that came out. I don't think I've seen them since high school. It's really special to be out here and kind of be on the other side of the ropes this time."
Meanwhile, Mariel Galdiano, Corpuz's former teammate at Punahou, finished tied for 55th with a 2-under 286, winning $8,949.
"A lot of my family and friends who came out usually see me in a more casual setting, like when we play golf together or just hang out. I think it's really cool that they get to see me in my element, see what I do on a day-to-day basis, what I do for a living," Galdiano said. "It's nice to have them cheer me on. When I'm struggling a little bit more, hearing them clap for me gives me a lot of strength."
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Christian Shimabuku can be reached at christian@alohastatedaily.com.
