It was a memorable, Championship record-tying day for South Korea’s Ina Yoon. So, what did Yoon think was the best part of the historic round?
“To be honest I don't know. I just hit [the] golf ball and it just dropped [in] the hole and was really, you know, an awesome experience,” said Yoon. “I would say I think my iron shots were great today and putting also. I don't think I missed a short putt today.”
The 23-year old South Korean used a bogey-free, 9-under-par 63 to jump out to the clubhouse lead on Thursday at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota.
“Yeah, it was fun to play out there. [It] was really nice weather,” said Yoon. “Many golf fans came out to watch us. Was really -- yeah, was really nice.
Yoon tied the single round record for the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, which has been shot a total of five times and most recently by Nelly Korda in the second round in 2021 at Atlanta Athletic Club.
The lowest round at the 2019 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at Hazeltine was 65 by Nasa Hataoka in the final round. No player shot under 70 at either the 1966 or 1977 U.S. Women's Open at Hazeltine.
A historic day for Ina Yoon! 🙌
— KPMG Women's PGA Championship (@KPMGWomensPGA) June 25, 2026
She matches the record for the lowest round in Championship history with a 63. #KPMGWomensPGA pic.twitter.com/dF5tYJRUyf
Yoon’s best results of 2026 are a pair of 4th place finishes at the JM Eagle LA Championship presented by Plastpro and the opening Major Championship of the year, The Chevron Championship. She's made 10 of 11 cuts.
And the key to her success over the next 54 holes at Hazeltine National?
“Focus on what I need to do. Focus on process,” said Yoon. “That part I think I did great today.”
Yoon has two titles on the Korean LPGA Tour (KLPGA), winning the Evercollagen Queens Crown in 2022 and the 11th JejuSamdasoo Masters in 2024.
