Hye-Jin Choi Holds Lead After Round 3 at Meijer LPGA Classic, Eyes First U.S. Tour Victory

Hye-Jin Choi's Strong Performance at the 2025 Meijer LPGA Classic

Hye-Jin Choi, a standout Korean golfer with 11 KLPGA wins, is making waves on the U.S. LPGA Tour. At the 2025 Meijer LPGA Classic held at Blythefield Country Club in Belmont, Michigan, she posted a flawless third round of 3-under 69 without any bogeys, bringing her total to 11-under 205 and placing her in a six-way tie for the lead. This marks a significant moment as she pursues her first LPGA Tour victory in the United States, having previously achieved top finishes but no wins on this stage.

Competitive Field and Shared Lead

Choi shares the lead with notable players including Lexi Thompson (USA), Madelene Sagstrom (Sweden), Carlota Ciganda (Spain), Nanna Koerstz Madsen (Denmark), and Sofia Garcia (Paraguay). The leaderboard is tightly packed, with only a few strokes separating the top 11 players, promising an intense final round battle. This group reflects a diverse international presence, underscoring the global nature of the LPGA Tour.

Choi's Round Highlights and Challenges

During the third round, Choi secured consecutive birdies on the 8th and 9th holes and added another birdie on the 14th hole, maintaining momentum. Despite missed birdie opportunities on the 17th and 18th holes, including a challenging bunker escape on the last hole, her steady play without bogeys kept her at the top. Her precision off the tee and putting under windy conditions were key factors in her strong showing.

Korean Golfers’ Impact on the LPGA Tour

Korean players have a rich history of success at the Meijer LPGA Classic, with previous winners including Mirim Lee (2014), Sei Young Kim (2016), and So Yeon Ryu (2018). A win by Choi would mark the fourth Korean victory at this event in recent years, highlighting Korea's continued prominence in women’s professional golf. This season alone has seen multiple Korean winners, reflecting the depth of talent from Korea on the global stage.

Community and Fan Reactions

Korean and international golf communities are closely following Choi’s progress, with fans expressing excitement and support across social media and golf forums. Many highlight her steady improvement and potential breakthrough on the U.S. tour. The anticipation builds as fans hope to see her capture her maiden LPGA title, which would be a milestone for her career and a proud moment for Korean golf.

Looking Ahead to the Final Round

With the final round approaching, the competition remains fierce. Choi and her fellow leaders face pressure from a tightly bunched field eager to claim the $3 million purse. Strategic play, mental toughness, and execution under pressure will be critical. The final day promises thrilling golf action as Choi aims to convert her consistent performance into a historic first LPGA Tour win in the U.S.