STA. ROSA, Laguna – Kim Kayoung delivered a career-defining performance, producing the most stunning round of the tournament when it mattered most—a solid 68 that secured her 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 heart-stopping battle, with the lead changing hands multiple times. The TCC’s notoriously unforgiving conditions added an extra layer of drama as contenders fought for control, making for a gripping finish.
But the day belonged to Kim, who saved her best for last to claim her maiden professional victory. She birdied four of the first 10 holes to erase a four-stroke deficit against second-round leader Kim Ahyeon, then parred the remaining holes to complete a bogey-free round (33-35). It was the kind of clutch performance that wins big-time championships.
Her bunker shot on the 72nd hole, landing just three feet from the cup to save par, was nothing short of a masterclass. It was a defining moment for a player who had endured a long, winless stretch since turning pro in 2019, even losing her Korean LPGA card along the way.
With the leaderboard flashing her name at the top, Kim stood over her second shot on the final hole, a mix of nerves and determination coursing through her. The moment demanded precision, yet her approach landed in the greenside bunker—a tough position with her one-stroke lead on the line.
“I remember it so vividly,” Kim said through a translator. “Right after I looked up at the leaderboard, my second shot found the bunker. But I stayed calm, focused, and executed the shot I needed to save par.”
For Kim, the victory was more than just a trophy; it was the realization of a lifelong dream.
“Winning is something I’ve always dreamed of. And when a dream becomes reality, it’s hard to believe,” said Kim, who will turn 23 on Feb. 28.
“It’s an incredible birthday present—and a Valentine’s gift at the same time.”
Kim’s path to victory was anything but smooth. After losing her Tour card, she underwent a complete swing overhaul, a process that tested her patience but ultimately paved the way for this breakthrough win.
“That process helped me win today,” she said.
She was fully aware of the tense battle unfolding on the leaderboard. Contenders lurked, ready to pounce on any mistake. Yet, playing alongside Nook Sukapan, whose easygoing demeanor radiated positivity, provided an unexpected source of comfort.
“Nook was playing with such a relaxed and confident mindset,” Kim said. “Seeing her approach the game that way helped put me at ease. And I think that made a real difference.”
Kim, who opened with a 73, surged into contention at joint fifth with a 68 on Thursday. She then staged a remarkable comeback to clinch the title at seven-under 209, as Wang Li-Ning, who led midway through the final round with a three-under card, wilted under pressure on TCC’s demanding closing stretch.
As the pressure mounted and challengers faltered, Kim remained unfazed. Her control over her game, particularly on the closing holes, set her apart. While her rivals scrambled, she methodically navigated the treacherous layout, parring her way home to seal the biggest win of her career.
Wang bogeyed Nos. 15 and 16 to lose the lead, then closed with another bogey on No. 18 to finish with a 72, dropping to third at 211—a disappointing finish for Taiwan’s No. 4 player in the $200,000 championship, which was co-sanctioned by the Korean LPGA, LPGA of Taiwan, and the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour.
Kim, who missed the cut in the Indonesian Open last month, took home the $30,000 top purse, while Sukapan closed with a 69 for a 210, earning $21,000. Wang settled for $16,000 with her 211 total after a final-round 72.
Del Rosario Salvages Top 5 Finish
Pauline del Rosario, the last Filipina standing in title contention, saw her hopes fade early after back-to-back bogeys on Nos. 2 and 3. But she fought back with five birdies, including one on the difficult 18th, to offset three more bogeys and finish with an even-par 72.
She secured a joint fourth-place finish at 212, three strokes behind Kim. Also tied at four-under were Han Nakyoung, who briefly shared the lead at three-under through 10 holes, before two bogeys and a double bogey saw her slip with a 73.
Despite a rollercoaster finish, del Rosario was pleased with her Top 5 performance, emphasizing the valuable lessons she gained as she gears up for her Epson Tour campaign in Florida later this month.
“There wasn’t really a standout highlight in my round, but I was happy to make birdies—even though I also had too many bogeys,” said del Rosario. She cited her putting struggles and difficulty reading the green speeds as key challenges that hindered her title bid.
“My round was up and down. Every time I made a birdie, I thought I could build momentum, but it was just really unpredictable. I kept pushing for more birdies all the way to the last hole,” she added.
One bright spot was her closing hole, where she avenged a costly bogey from Thursday’s round.
“The pin placement was tough—tucked at the top ahead of the bunker back right, and the green was firm. But I managed to stick it within 12 feet and convert the putt,” she said.
Reflecting on her performance, del Rosario remained optimistic.
“There’s a lot to improve on, but also a lot of positives to take away. I’m happy with my Top 5 finish.”
Meanwhile, Kim Jisu made a late charge with a fiery six-under card through 13 holes but bogeyed two of the last five to finish with a 68, tying del Rosario, Han, and Kim Seoyoon (73) at fourth place.
Cho Jeongmin, who lost to Hwang Yoon in sudden death in Jakarta, shot a 70 to tie for eighth at 213 with Kim Nahyun (71), Navaporn Soontreeyapas (71), and Pattharat Rattanawat (73).
Leaders Falter Under Pressure
Heading into the final round, second-round leader Kim Ahyeon appeared poised to sustain her momentum, but two early bogeys on Nos. 2 and 4 sent her tumbling down the leaderboard.
Han Nakyoung briefly took control at three-under through 10 holes, but her bogey on No. 11 opened the door for Wang, who seized the lead. However, Wang’s late-round collapse saw her relinquish the top spot.
Kim Ahyeon skied to a 78, finishing at joint 13th with a 215 total.
Among other Filipina contenders, Dottie Ardina fired a 70 to tie for 24th at 218, Florence Bisera finished at 31st place (220) after a 76, and Samantha Bruce carded a 73 for joint 38th at 221.
