South Korean Kim responded to a late charge by world No.1 Korda with three birdies on her final four holes to post a five-under 67 and claim her third LPGA title with a 20 under total in Orlando, Florida on Sunday.
Nelly Korda went lose to a season-opening win. (AP PHOTO)
Korda, coming off her seven-win season, holed a 3-foot birdie putt on the par-5 15th at Lake Nona to tie for the lead.
Kim was in the final group behind her and matched the birdie to regain the lead.
Kim seized control with a 20-foot birdie putt on the 16th for a two-shot lead, and she capped off her wire-to-wire win with a 25-foot birdie putt on the 18th.
Korda closed with a 65 to start her season with a runner-up finish while Linn Grant of Sweden shot 69 and finished third, five shots behind.
Australia's Lee burst into form as she produced her career-low LPGA Tour round with a flawless 62.
The 10-time tour winner had an eagle and eight birdies to fly home, climbing from a share of 12th overnight to tie for fourth place with Jin Young Ko (65) at 14 under.
Minjee Lee burst into top form with a brilliant final round. (Con Chronis/AAP PHOTOS)
It bodes well after a rare winless season last year.
Her countrywoman Hannah Green (71) tied for 20th in the 32-player field
Best known for her 2020 U.S. Women's Open title at Champions Golf Club in Houston during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kim's victory was her second in which she never trailed after any round.
"So fun, so good. And then I'm hungry," Kim said when asked to describe how she was feeling.
She was paying close attention when Korda drew level.
"I watched her scoreboard — ooh, make birdie, wow — and then focus again on my game," Kim said, who added she was never overly concerned. "I feel really good, and then still I have more chance because one more hole."
Korda had started the final day four off the pace.
"Yeah, not bad," Korda said. "I'm never going to complain finishing second in a tournament and giving it a run, especially on a Sunday.
"There are definitely a couple putts I would like to have back, but overall I think I'm very happy with this week and excited for next week."
