The LOTTE Championship returns to Hawaii this week carrying one of the more interesting winner lists on the LPGA Tour.
Since the tournament debuted in 2012, champions have included former world No. 1 players, major winners, future stars and golfers who used Hawaii as the launching point for something bigger.
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The 2026 LOTTE Championship begins Thursday, Oct. 1 at Hoakalei Country Club in Ewa Beach, Oahu, with a $3 million purse.
The history started with Ai Miyazato, who won the inaugural event at 12-under and cruised to a four-shot victory.
Michelle Wie West delivered one of the tournament’s signature moments two years later, winning in her home state in 2014.
She finished at 14-under, then followed that victory by capturing the U.S. Women’s Open at Pinehurst No. 2 just two months later.
Sei Young Kim provided perhaps the wildest finish in 2015. She chipped in late to force a playoff with Inbee Park, then holed out from the fairway on the first extra hole to win.
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Brooke Henderson remains the only repeat champion. The Canadian won by four shots in 2018 and successfully defended her title in 2019, again winning by four.
Then came Lydia Ko.
Ko’s 2021 performance remains the statistical standard for the event. She shot 67-63-65-65 to finish at a staggering 28-under 260, winning by seven strokes and smashing the tournament scoring record.
Recent editions have continued producing breakthrough moments.
Grace Kim earned her first LPGA Tour victory in 2023 after surviving a three-player playoff, while A Lim Kim took the 2024 title at 18-under.
Youmin Hwang added another chapter in 2025. Playing as a non-member on a sponsor invitation, Hwang birdied five of her final six holes – including the last four – to shoot 67 and win by one over Hyo Joo Kim.
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“This is my dream,” Hwang said afterward.
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Now the LPGA returns to Hoakalei, where another champion will join a list that already includes Cristie Kerr, Minjee Lee, Suzann Pettersen and Hyo Joo Kim.
If history is any indication, winning in Hawaii can mean considerably more than simply collecting another trophy.
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