Rising star Grace Kim has made a massive breakthrough in her young career with a commanding five-shot triumph at the Epson Tour’s IOA Golf Classic in Florida for her first win as a professional.
The Golf Australia rookie squad member, who turned professional last year, carded a blistering 18-under for the 54-hole tournament which included a seven-under final round 64.
The win has provided a major boost to her hopes of gaining LPGA Tour status as the 21-year-old is projected to jump from number 75 to 7 in the 2022 Race for the Card – where the top-ten at season’s end earn a card on the premier tour in women’s golf.
Kim took home $30,000 in prizemoney and was joined by fellow Australians Sarah Jane Smith (T2) and Robyn Choi (T4) in the top section of the leaderboard.
“I did not expect a win this early in my career,” conceded Kim.
“To have an Epson event as my first professional career win is quite special and to have Dad on the bag is that little bit extra on top.
“This is a good start. I think he’s going to stay on the bag for a little bit,” added Kim following her father’s arrival from Sydney on Monday.
A member of the Golf Australia Rookie Squad, Kim’s previous best finish prior to this week was a tie for 17th at the Copper Rock Championship.
She and coach Khan Pullen had spoken recently with regards to the need to stay patient as she elevates her game into more elite professional company.
It was advice that proved prudent as Kim moved from 75th to seventh in the Race To The Card, the top 10 at season’s end to earn direct promotion to the LPGA Tour in 2023.
It was very nearly cause for a double celebration among the Aussie girls this week after Perth’s Whitney Hillier missed out on a maiden Ladies European Tour title at the Jabra Ladies Open in France.
Out to a three-stroke lead early in the final round, Hillier shot 69 in the final round to finish tied with Tiia Koivisto at the end of 54 holes, Koivisto’s birdie at the first playoff hole denying Hillier the victory.
“I did not expect a win this early in my career,” conceded Kim.
“To have an Epson event as my first professional career win is quite special and to have Dad on the bag is that little bit extra on top.
“This is a good start. I think he’s going to stay on the bag for a little bit,” added Kim following her father’s arrival from Sydney on Monday.
A member of the Golf Australia Rookie Squad, Kim’s previous best finish prior to this week was a tie for 17th at the Copper Rock Championship.
She and coach Khan Pullen had spoken recently with regards to the need to stay patient as she elevates her game into more elite professional company.
It was advice that proved prudent as Kim moved from 75th to seventh in the Race To The Card, the top 10 at season’s end to earn direct promotion to the LPGA Tour in 2023.
It was very nearly cause for a double celebration among the Aussie girls this week after Perth’s Whitney Hillier missed out on a maiden Ladies European Tour title at the Jabra Ladies Open in France.
Out to a three-stroke lead early in the final round, Hillier shot 69 in the final round to finish tied with Tiia Koivisto at the end of 54 holes, Koivisto’s birdie at the first playoff hole denying Hillier the victory.
