Yoshida Yuri Claims First LPGA Title at BMW... 17th-Hole Bunker Shot 'Seals It'

Claims the title at 17-under, edging Yoo Hae-ran and Choi Hye-jin by one shot
First win in Korea... "Motivated by the KLPGA players' long-hitting ability"

Yoshida Yuri of Japan overturned a four-shot deficit to claim her first career LPGA Tour title.

In the final round of the 2026 BMW Ladies Championship, held on Oct. 25 at Pine Beach Golf Links in Haenam, Jeonnam-Gwangju Special City, Yoshida Yuri carded a four-under-par 68 with one eagle, four birdies and two bogeys. She finished at 17-under-par 271, edging out Yoo Hae-ran and Choi Hye-jin, who mounted a fierce late charge and finished one shot back at 16-under-par, to claim the title.

Yuri Yoshida, winner of the 2026 BMW Ladies Championship. Provided by the BMW Ladies Championship Organizing Committee.

In an official interview at the Pine Beach CC media center after the round, Yoshida Yuri said, "I was nervous at the start of the round, but I'm pleased with the result," as she reflected on her victory. Starting the final round four shots behind leader Yoo Hae-ran, Yoshida quickly cut into the deficit, including with a chip-in eagle on the second hole on the front nine.

Speaking about her bunker shot on the 17th hole, which proved pivotal after a fierce battle, she said, "It was my first time using a pitching wedge from 48 yards to the pin," adding, "Even if I tried again, I don't think I could hit that shot." Reflecting on how she felt when she played it, she added, "I wasn't confident, but I thought it was the perfect distance and hit it."

She also shared how special it felt to win on Korean soil. "It's special to earn my first LPGA win in Korea, and if I get the chance, I'd like to win here again," Yoshida Yuri said. Of the KLPGA players she played alongside, she said, "I was surprised by how many of them hit the ball a long way," adding, "It shows how much they practice, and I was greatly motivated by this tournament."

She also discussed her strategy for playing in rainy conditions. "I took into account that the ball rolls less in the rain and focused only on carry, and that strategy led to many birdie opportunities," she said.

Describing her playing style, she said, "I'm serious on the course, but I tend to laugh a lot off it." She concluded the interview by saying, "I was happy to receive congratulations from my fellow players on the 18th hole, and I'll aim to win many more titles."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.