
via Imago
BMW Ladies Championship Round 3 WONJU, SOUTH KOREA, OCT 22: Hyo Joo Kim of South Korea during the third round of BMW Ladies Championship in Oak Valley Country Club in Wonju, South Korea on October 22, 2022. Wonju South Korea 7643_265289 Copyright: xSeokyongxLee/PentaxPressx

via Imago
BMW Ladies Championship Round 3 WONJU, SOUTH KOREA, OCT 22: Hyo Joo Kim of South Korea during the third round of BMW Ladies Championship in Oak Valley Country Club in Wonju, South Korea on October 22, 2022. Wonju South Korea 7643_265289 Copyright: xSeokyongxLee/PentaxPressx

Hyo Joo Kim has become a name synonymous with poise and technical finesse on the courses. Beginning her golfing career at 16, Kim became the youngest-ever champion in the JLPGA Tour. As a result of this early show of talent and mastery, the South Korean golfer turned pro in 2012 and has been a formidable force on the greens ever since. Sure enough, her success in the course has translated to success in the bank. Let’s take a look at the net worth of one of the LPGA’s biggest stars.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
Although it is impossible to place a singular figure for her worth, we can make educated estimates. As of 2025, Kim’s net worth is estimated to be a staggering $12 million. However, some sources report a slightly lower net worth at $10 million. Either way, it is a testament to her performance and consistent top-10 finishes on the greens, which have become the biggest sources of her worth. As of 2024, Kim’s career earnings from the tour are a jaw-dropping $8,791,708, as per the LPGA’s official website.
Kim’s first major success came at the 2014 Evian Championship, securing her a massive winner’s payout of $487,500. Consequently, the South Korean golfer went on to amass nearly a million dollars in her 2015 season. One of her biggest financial years came in 2023, when she collected over $2.1 million. Riding that momentum, Kim maintained a strong performance in 2024, winning the LET Aramco Team Series – Korea, collecting $75,000.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
View this post on Instagram
However, her most recent remarkable achievement includes securing her 7th LPGA title, with the Ford Championship in 2025. Moreover, her most recent check has come from the Lotte Championship, where she finished tied for 1st, earning $450,000. That positioned her as one of the highest-earning female golfers from South Korea. Kim’s dominance on the leaderboards and consistent victories are the greatest motivating factors for her rising worth and name on the tour.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Sitting at 7th in the Rolex Rankings, the South Korean has secured a breathtaking 54 top-10 finishes. Moreover, in all her circuits combined, Kim has amassed a total of 23 1st-place finishes, including her recent win at the Lotte Championship. However, her tournament payouts are only a fraction of her net worth. Kim also enjoys sponsorship deals thanks to her unwavering reputation and fame in the circuits. Let’s take a look.
Hyo Joo Kim’s brand deals and endorsements
Hyo Joo Kim’s star power and a steady figure in the LPGA circuit have earned her the trust of several brands. In recent years, the 30-year-old has signed many deals, further contributing to her net worth. However, none of her sponsorship deals are as significant as her deal with the Lottle Group, a Korean conglomerate. Her partnership with the group first began in 2012, when she turned pro. Following her successful stint, the partnership upgraded to a high-profile extension in 2014. That partnership deal was signed for a term of 5 years and included major benefits.
The deal listed 1.3 billion won, which is a little over $1 million, annually for five years. That sum also promised additional costs. Moreover, as added incentives, the Lotte Group ensured 70% of the awards when Kim won, while 30% of the awards were for her top-5 finishes. The deal also included a 1 billion won incentive for a career grand slam. While the partnership ended in 2019, there are no confirmed sources for a deal extension with the Lotte Group.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
As for her equipment brand deals, Kim flaunts Yonex clubs, including their drivers, irons, and wedges. Ambassador for the brand, the South Korean golfer is often seen clad in Yonex gear, using the brand’s clubs in her tournaments. In addition to her clubs, Kim trusts Titleist for her golf balls, using Titleist Pro V1x for her games.
Some of her other key brand endorsements include top golfing companies like Honma, LG Electronics, and Le Coq Sportif. Her income allocation from the salaries and endorsements from these companies combined is estimated to be a total of $1.5 million to $2 million. Apparently, Kim’s talent, consistency, and star power have made her one of the most revered female asian golfers in the LPGA.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT