Former New South Wales amateur star and LPGA winner Grace Kim will headline next week’s Australian Women’s Classic at Coffs Harbour Golf Club, bringing her rising international reputation home to where her career began.
Kim will make her first start in the tournament since competing as an amateur in 2020, which was won by her then-NSW teammate, Steph Kyriacou.
Since turning professional in 2021, Kim’s journey in the sport has been remarkable. A product of the Golf NSW system and standout junior golfer who won gold for Australia at the Youth Olympics, she has enjoyed a stellar start to her professional career.
A two-time winner (as an amateur) against the professionals on the US-based All-Pro Tour, Kim’s breakthrough came with her victory at the prestigious Lotte Championship in 2023 during her rookie year on the LPGA Tour, the win earmarking her as one of Australia’s most promising young sporting stars.
“I love being able to support the game back here in NSW, and when the opportunity arose to take part at Coffs Harbour next week, I wanted to be there,” Kim said.
“The Australian Women’s Classic is growing year-on-year, and I’m excited to be able to play in the tournament.”
Tournament organisers are thrilled with Kim’s decision to play at Coffs Harbour, recognising that her participation will add to the growing interest and attract fans eager to see one of the sport’s brightest young talents showcase her game on home soil.
“Grace’s participation is a massive boost for the tournament,” said Graeme Phillipson, chief operating officer at Golf NSW. “The Coffs Harbour community is always ready to embrace our tournaments, and Kim’s presence will undoubtedly elevate the level of competition and create an incredible atmosphere for all.”
The WPGA Tour of Australasia was obviously beyond disappointed at having to cancel this week’s Australian WPGA Championship, where Kim was set to headline, “however seeing her tee it up on our tour next week is a tremendous result,” said WPGA Tour of Australasia chief executive Karen Lunn.
“Grace is a genuine star of the world game, and her support of Australian golf is to be applauded. The Australian Women’s Classic has become such a great event, and I am sure Grace, like all the players, will love returning to the area and teeing it up alongside her fellow Aussies and the Ladies European Tour contingent.”
The Australian Women’s Classic, set to take place from Thursday, March 13 to Sunday, March 16 at Coffs Harbour Golf Club, has established itself as an important event on the WPGA Tour of Australasia (WPGA Tour) and Ladies European Tour (LET) calendar.
Event Information
Venue: Coffs Harbour Golf Club
Dates: March 13-16, 2025
Format: 72-hole strokeplay, cut after 36 holes
Prizemoney purse: €300,000
Honour roll: The Australian Women’s Classic boasts an impressive honour roll of past champions that underscores its international standing. Previous winners include:
- Celine Boutier (France)
- Marianne Skarpnord (Norway)
- Stephanie Kyriacou (NSW)
- Meghan MacLaren (England)
- Last year’s joint winners:
- Nicole Broch Estrup (Denmark)
- Peiying Tsai (Chinese Taipei)
- Jessica Whitting (WA)
