Kia Classic 2021 R4
March 25-28
Aviara Golf Club, Carlsbad, California
$1,800,000
Round 1, Round 2, Round 3

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

Inbee Park has won her 21st LPGA title with a five-stroke win at Aviara Golf Club on Sunday, to match the largest margin of victory in her career.

Kia Classic 2021 R4

“Everybody asks me like, ‘Do you still get nervous?' Yes, of course. ‘But you look so comfortable. Are you comfortable?' I'm like no, what do you expect? ,” said Park.

“What is special about this week is I always love to play [the Kia Classic] and I have played really, really well on this golf course but I was never able to win. I looked at the trophy before the final round and thought I almost had it a couple of times. Finally being able to win is a relief and it is a beautiful trophy.”

Kia Classic 2021 R4

This first win in Carlsbad came in her eleventh appearance and was also her first LPGA wire-to-wire victory (without ties).

She joins LPGA Tour Founder Marilynn Smith at No. 25 on the all-time wins list and moves within four of matching Se Ri Pak as the winningest player from the Republic of Korea in LPGA Tour history. It is also the second title for Park in her season debut (2013 Honda LPGA Thailand) and the second event she has won the week before a major championship (2013 Walmart NW Arkansas Championship/ U.S. Women's Open).

Kia Classic 2021 R4

“It's a big honor to put my name next to someone like Marilynn Smith, a Founder on the LPGA,” said Park, whose career earnings reach $17,003,925. “I'm going to try and keep playing my best to follow her footsteps.”

“She [Se Ri Pak] gave a lot of courage to women golfers in Korea that we can compete out on the LPGA. Being able to do things that follow her steps is always a great honor. Growing up, I definitely looked at Se Ri as one of my top players to look up to. It's always a good vibe going into the major tournament.”

Kia Classic 2021 R4

Amy Olson signed for a bogey-free 68 to tie for second with Lexi Thompson (69). World No. 1 Jin Young Ko finished alone in fourth at 8-under overall.

“I had a good warmup I think, so I'm looking forward to the ANA,” said Ko, the 2019 ANA Inspiration champion. “I had great rounds the last four days. Before this week, I practice four, five days and stayed a week at the Mission Hills. I saw my name on the bridge and believed I could win [again] on the course.”

Kia Classic 2021 R4