Arim Kim Sets Sights on Double Victory

Competing in the Hilton Grand Vacations TOC Season Opener
Three Birdies in Final Four Holes Fueled Last Year's Victory
Aiming for First Back-to-Back Titles and Three Consecutive Seasons as Champion

Arim Kim is setting her sights on two major achievements.

On January 29 (local time), she will compete in the opening event of the LPGA Tour, the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions (TOC, total prize money: $2.1 million), held at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club (par 72, 6,624 yards) in Orlando, Florida, USA.

This tournament was established in 2019. It is a "champion of champions" event, open only to the winners of the past two years. This year, a record 39 players will participate, including six Korean golfers. Among them are veteran Yang Heeyoung and rookie Hwang Yoomin, who is making her LPGA Tour debut this year. Kim Hyojoo, ranked 8th in the world, and Kim Seiyoung, ranked 10th, are eligible but will not participate.

Arim Kim challenges for a second consecutive victory at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions. Photo by AP News Agency

The player drawing the most attention is Arim Kim, the defending champion. She made a surprise breakthrough as a non-member by winning the 2020 U.S. Women's Open, which led her to join the LPGA Tour the following year. In 2024, she claimed a wire-to-wire victory at the Lotte Championship.

Last year, Arim Kim secured her third career victory at this tournament. She engaged in a fierce battle for the title with Nelly Korda (USA), ultimately clinching a two-shot win by making three birdies in the final four holes on the last day. Arim Kim is aiming to become the first player to win back-to-back titles at this event and is also dreaming of becoming champion for three consecutive seasons.

The competition will be tough. World No. 1 Lilia Vu (Thailand), No. 2 Nelly Korda, No. 4 Miyu Yamashita (Japan), No. 5 Charley Hull (England), No. 6 Lydia Ko (New Zealand), No. 7 Yin Ruoning (China), and No. 9 Mao Saigo (Japan) are all aiming for the top spot in the season opener.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.