Kim Hyo-joo kisses the winner's trophy surrounded by Lotte mascots after claiming the Lotte Open title. [KLPGA]
Kim Hyo-joo kisses the winner's trophy surrounded by Lotte mascots after claiming the Lotte Open title. [KLPGA]

World No. 3 Kim Hyo-joo will board a flight to France with the KLPGA Tour Lotte Open trophy in hand, after claiming the title at the tournament with a purse of 1.2 billion won ($772,000).

Kim carded five birdies without a bogey in the fourth and final round Saturday at Bears Best Cheongna Golf Club's America-Australasia Course (par 72) in Incheon, finishing at 15 under par 273 to overturn a three-stroke deficit and win from fifth place. She took home prize money of 216 million won.

Kim has been competing on the KLPGA Tour during gaps in the LPGA Tour schedule, and Saturday's victory gave her a second KLPGA title this year, following her win at the NH Investment Securities Ladies Championship in May.

"I won without expecting it because I was so tired," Kim said. "Getting my shot feel back was a big achievement, so I've gained confidence heading into the Evian Championship."

Kim flew straight to Korea after competing in last week's LPGA Tour KPMG Women's PGA Championship and will head to France with barely a break. The Evian Championship — an LPGA Tour major — opens Wednesday.

Yu Hyeon-jo, Lee Se-hee and Park Ye-ji finished tied for second at 14 under par 274, one stroke behind Kim.

Kim surged into contention by making four birdies on the front nine, but stalled on the back nine and found herself in a four-way tie with Park, Lee and Yu. Park fell out of the race with a bogey on the 13th hole, and Lee three-putted the par-3 17th for a bogey, allowing Kim to make par on the same hole and take sole possession of the lead by one stroke.

Yu made a final charge on the 18th, but her putt from off the green missed the cup and she settled for par, sealing Kim's victory.

Kim Hyo-joo poses on the champion's car after winning the KLPGA Tour Lotte Open. [KLPGA]
Kim Hyo-joo poses on the champion's car after winning the KLPGA Tour Lotte Open. [KLPGA]

yjc@heraldcorp.com