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Kim Claims Medalist Honors at Stage I of LPGA Q-School
8/22/2021 9:05:00 PM | Women's Golf
RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. – Duke University senior Gina Kim claimed medalist accolades at Stage I of the LPGA Qualifying Tournament on Sunday as she carded a 15-under-par, 273, over the last four days to win by one stroke at the Dinah Shore Tournament Course in Rancho Mirage, Calif.
"The putts were not dropping in the beginning, but I knew this was a marathon not a sprint," said Kim. "So, I just took it one hole at a time and stayed patient. After I made a bogey on No. 8, that's when my putts started dropping, so I think staying calm and poised was really the key for me today."
Kim, a product of Durham, N.C., posted rounds of 71, 69, 66 and 67 for a 15-under, 273, which was one stroke ahead of Huize Lian (274). The Duke three-time All-American was one of four amateur golfers to finish in the top five of the tournament. Kim collected 13 birdies on Saturday and Sunday to shoot 11-under-par over her final 36 holes. Â
"Coach (Dan) Brooks and Jon Whithaus have been real instrumental in helping me strengthen my mental side of the game," said Kim. "I guess I am just thinking smarter these days, a lot more calm and I am able to simplify a lot of things, so today was a pretty stress free round."
Along with Kim, former Duke NCAA Individual Champion Virginia Elena Carta carded rounds of 71, 71, 71 and 69 to place tied for 19th with a 6-under, 282. Â
Duke alumna Sandy Choi posted rounds of 74, 75 and 73 on her way to missing the cut. Â
Both Carta and Kim, teammates on Duke's 2019 NCAA Championship squad, advance to Stage II of LPGA Qualifying School Oct. 18-24 at Plantation Golf and Country Club in Venice, Fla. The action will be played on the Bobcat and Panther courses.
"I am heading to Wales tomorrow, a quick turn-around, and will play in the Curtis Cup this week," said Kim. "After that I have to go back to school and be a regular college student and play in my college tournaments, so I am pretty excited about what is coming up."
#GoDuke
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"The putts were not dropping in the beginning, but I knew this was a marathon not a sprint," said Kim. "So, I just took it one hole at a time and stayed patient. After I made a bogey on No. 8, that's when my putts started dropping, so I think staying calm and poised was really the key for me today."
Kim, a product of Durham, N.C., posted rounds of 71, 69, 66 and 67 for a 15-under, 273, which was one stroke ahead of Huize Lian (274). The Duke three-time All-American was one of four amateur golfers to finish in the top five of the tournament. Kim collected 13 birdies on Saturday and Sunday to shoot 11-under-par over her final 36 holes. Â
"Coach (Dan) Brooks and Jon Whithaus have been real instrumental in helping me strengthen my mental side of the game," said Kim. "I guess I am just thinking smarter these days, a lot more calm and I am able to simplify a lot of things, so today was a pretty stress free round."
Along with Kim, former Duke NCAA Individual Champion Virginia Elena Carta carded rounds of 71, 71, 71 and 69 to place tied for 19th with a 6-under, 282. Â
Duke alumna Sandy Choi posted rounds of 74, 75 and 73 on her way to missing the cut. Â
Both Carta and Kim, teammates on Duke's 2019 NCAA Championship squad, advance to Stage II of LPGA Qualifying School Oct. 18-24 at Plantation Golf and Country Club in Venice, Fla. The action will be played on the Bobcat and Panther courses.
"I am heading to Wales tomorrow, a quick turn-around, and will play in the Curtis Cup this week," said Kim. "After that I have to go back to school and be a regular college student and play in my college tournaments, so I am pretty excited about what is coming up."
#GoDuke
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Players Mentioned
PLAYER
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