STA. ROSA, Laguna — Kim Kayoung delivered a career-defining performance, firing a final-round 68 to clinch her first-ever win with a one-stroke victory over Thailand’s Nook Sukapan at the ICTSI Worldwide Link Philippine Ladies Masters 2025 at The Country Club on Friday.
The final round was a thrilling rollercoaster of emotions, with the lead changing several times, as players battled the tough conditions at TCC. The gripping contest saw Kim save her best for last, making key birdies and staying calm under pressure to finish with a bogey-free round.
Kim birdied four of the first 10 holes, recovering from a four-stroke deficit to second-round leader Kim Ahyeon. She parred the final eight holes, including a clutch bunker shot on the 72nd hole that left her just three feet from the cup to save par, securing the victory with a 33-35 card.
“I remember it so vividly,” Kim said, recalling the final moments through a translator. “After looking at the leaderboard, my second shot landed in the bunker. But I stayed calm and focused, executing the shot I needed to save par.”
For Kim, the win was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. “Winning is something I’ve always dreamed of. It’s hard to believe when a dream becomes reality,” she said, adding, “It’s an incredible birthday present — and a Valentine’s gift, too!”
Kim’s journey to this victory was anything but easy. After losing her tour card, she overhauled her swing — a challenging process that ultimately led to this breakthrough win. “That process helped me win today,” she shared.
Kim’s calmness under pressure was evident throughout the day, particularly in her final stretch. Despite contenders closing in, Kim remained unfazed and methodically navigated the tough layout at TCC to seal her victory with a total of seven-under 209.
Wang Li-Ning, who led midway through the round, faltered with two bogeys on holes 15 and 16, and another on 18, finishing with a 72 and falling to third at 211.
Sukapan closed with a solid 69 to finish second with a 210, earning $21,000, while Wang settled for $16,000. Kim claimed the top purse of $30,000.
Pauline del Rosario, the last Filipina in contention, had a rocky start with back-to-back bogeys on holes 2 and 3 but fought back with five birdies, including one on the tough 18th hole. She posted an even-par 72 and finished joint fourth with a total of 212, three strokes behind Kim.
Del Rosario expressed satisfaction with her top-five finish, noting, “There’s a lot to improve on, but also a lot of positives to take away.” She also highlighted her struggles with putting and reading the greens as key challenges during the round.
Kim Jisu also made a late charge with a six-under 68, but bogeyed two of the last five holes to tie for fourth at 212. Other players finishing at 212 were Han Nakyoung, who stumbled with a 73, and Kim Seoyoon, who struggled with a 73.
Meanwhile, Dottie Ardina shot a 70 to tie for 24th at 218, while Florence Bisera finished tied for 31st at 220 after a 76. Samantha Bruce posted a 73 to tie for 38th at 221.
As the final round unfolded, second-round leader Kim Ahyeon struggled under the pressure, bogeying holes 2 and 4. She finished with a disappointing 78 to fall to 13th place at 215.
Despite the fluctuating leaderboard, Kim held steady to claim her long-awaited victory, showcasing resilience and composure in the face of a tense and competitive finish.