Sublime Jin Young Ko Secures Fifth LPGA Title Of The Season

Jin Young Ko was in ruthless form as she secured the Race to CME Globe Championship and Rolex Player of the Year honours.

Jin Young Ko
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Jin Young Ko carried on her unbelievable form as the 26-year-old secured a one shot victory to defend her title at the CME Group Tour Championship.

Not only did the South Korean claim her fifth title of a stunning 2021, but also the Race to CME Globe Championship and the Rolex Player of the Year honours in Florida.

Speaking after her round, Ko said "I didn't practice that much for this week, but I honestly don't know what happened out there. I played really well this week and it's honestly just been amazing.

"I've got a great team behind me and they've helped me a lot this year. I've had two wins on this golf course so I am loving it right now. I'd love to buy a membership here!"

Ko Wins

Ko and Korda on the 17th.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Coming into the tournament, Ko had been in superb form, with four wins in her last eight starts.

And, starting in a five-way tie for the lead, including her nearest challenger for Player of the Year honours, Nelly Korda, it would be an enthralling final day's play.

Starting the final round, the situation was this, if either player won the tournament, then they would earn the title of the season’s top player. To add even more spice into the mix, the winner would also receive the $1.5 million first prize, a record-winning purse for the women's game.

So, with a lot at stake, the final round began, and it was Ko who took the early initiative, with a stunning front nine 30 putting her three shots clear of the chasing pack. 

Further birdies followed at the 11th and 13th, as Ko continued to display her class.

Another birdie at the par-5 17th followed, with a tap-in par at the last claiming her fifth title of the year.

Not only did Ko secure victory, but she hadn't missed a green in regulation in 63 holes! Unbelievably, nearly a full tournament. On top of that, her final round 63 was her 29th round in the 60's in her last nine LPGA starts.

Securing her fifth win in nine starts, the 26-year-old also claimed her second LPGA Player of the Year title in three years, adding on from her 2019 success.

Matt Cradock
Staff Writer

Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.

Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.

Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?

Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°

Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°

Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°

Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW

Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°

Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x