FORD CHAMPIONSHIP PRESENTED BY WILD HORSE PASS

March 24, 2026

Hyo Joo Kim

Whirlwind Golf Club

Press Conference

THE MODERATOR: All right, pleased to be joined by defending champion Hyo Joo Kim to the Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass. What's it like to come back to this course defending your title?

HYO JOO KIM: (Through translation.) I have good memories at this course and this tournament obviously, and last week because I won I came into this week in a good mood.

So I think I was able to start off well.

Q. I was just going to ask, coming off your win last week at the Founders Cup how much confidence does that give you coming into this week?

HYO JOO KIM: (Through translation.) I'm not sure about confidence necessarily. I had a lot of mistakes last week, even though I won. I have good memories at this course so I think my focus is making good memories and having a good time.

I think that will translate into confidence.

Q. What is the key to success out on this course?

HYO JOO KIM: (Through translation.) I don't think it necessarily matters on the course but it's more about the score and how you play.

It's really about putting and on the green, and earlier I was talking with Lydia Ko on the putting green and we talked about how it's really about the putting and how that really translates to score.

Q. You're up to No. 4 now on the Rolex Rankings. I believe it is your highest ever rank. How much do you pay attention to that, and how much do you wear that like a badge of honor?

HYO JOO KIM: (Through translation.) I was actually shock and found out yet. I don't necessarily keep check of it, so I was shocked that I jumped so high.

But I think looking at that being it makes me happy.

Q. Is it a goal of yours to be Rolex No. 1 or inside the Top 3?

HYO JOO KIM: (Through translation.) I think it has to be.

THE MODERATOR: Thank you for your time. Best of luck this week.

HYO JOO KIM: Thank you.