Kim Hyo-joo rises to No. 3 in women’s world golf rankings after back-to-back LPGA wins

Kim Hyo-joo, coming off back-to-back LPGA Tour wins, moved up to No. 3 in the women’s world rankings. (Yonhap/Reuters)

Kim Hyo-joo, who has won the past two LPGA Tour events, climbed to No. 3 in the women’s world golf rankings.

In the rankings released March 31 (Korean time), Kim had 6.71 points, up one spot from No. 4 last week.

It is the best ranking of her career. Her previous high was No. 4, reached in March 2015 and again last week.

Kim successfully defended her title at the Ford Championship, which ended March 30 at Whirlwind Golf Club in Phoenix, Arizona. Following her victory at the previous event, the Fortinet Founders Cup, she won in consecutive weeks and raised her career LPGA total to nine titles.

With her recent form, Kim is within reach of the top spot. Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand leads the rankings with 10.81 points, followed by Nelly Korda of the United States with 8.44.

The world rankings are based on results over the past two years.

Among South Koreans, Kim Sei-young is next highest at No. 10, down one place. Yoo Hae-ran held steady at No. 13, and Choi Hye-jin remained No. 15.

* This article has been translated by AI.

Kang Sang Heon ksh@ajunews.com