Jin Young Ko Triumphs in Dramatic Playoff, Securing Third Cognizant Founders Cup Victory

In a thrilling playoff that showcased the resilience and determination of , Jin Young Ko emerged victorious in the Cognizant Founders Cup, held at Upper Montclair Country Club in Clifton, N.J. The event, designed to honor the LPGA’s original 13 founders, saw Ko overcome a four-shot deficit to Minjee Lee, the defending champion.

Ko’s remarkable bogey-free five-under 67, the best score of the day, propelled her to a playoff against Lee. Despite Lee’s early lead, Ko drew inspiration from Sungjae Im’s comeback victory in South Korea and focused on her own game. With a birdie on the seventh hole, Ko caught up to Lee, who stumbled with a double bogey. The two talented golfers engaged in a captivating battle, with Ko ultimately forcing a playoff.

The playoff proved to be a nail-biting affair, with both players displaying exceptional skill and nerve. In a surprising turn of events, Lee three-putted for a bogey, while Ko secured a crucial par to claim her third Cognizant Founders Cup title and her 15th career LPGA victory.

Ko’s impressive performance throughout the tournament, including two bogey-free rounds, highlighted her unwavering focus and determination. Her victory marked the fifth playoff in the last six LPGA tournaments, emphasizing the fierce competition among women golfers on the tour.

The third-place finisher, Ashleigh Buhai, showcased her consistency with a strong closing round, securing her fourth top-10 finish of the year. However, it was Jin Young Ko’s exceptional play that stole the spotlight, as she became one of the few active players to accumulate 20 LPGA Hall of Fame points.

Re-reported from the story originally published in https://www.golfdigest.com/