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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.
"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.
Duke alumna Sandy Choi posted rounds of 74, 75 and 73 on her way to missing the cut.
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
"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.
"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.
Duke alumna Sandy Choi posted rounds of 74, 75 and 73 on her way to missing the cut.
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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PLAYER
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