HARTFORD, Wi. – This weekend marks the LPGA’s second major championship, the U.S. Women’s Open, taking place at Erin Hills in Wisconsin. Among the 156 players competing is St. Augustine resident and Nease graduate Auston Kim, who is making her fourth start at this prestigious event.
“Super exciting .... It was definitely really, really cool. A little bit less experience,” Kim said. “My last U.S. Open was at Pine Needles when I first turned pro. It was definitely a way to start my pro career. I feel ready. I definitely have a couple more years of experience under my belt, so I’m really looking forward to this week.”
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Kim’s journey to this point has not been without drama. She survived a 7-for-1 playoff for the final spot at the Naples qualifier on May 13. Finishing 7-under 137 allowed her to enter the playoff and secure her place in the tournament. In her previous three Open Championships in 2019, 2020, and 2022, Kim missed the cut.
Her last appearance in the tournament coincided with her transition to professional golf. Since then, Kim has made significant strides, winning the 2023 Epson Tour Championship and finishing third on the money list to graduate to the LPGA. Now, she feels more prepared for the challenge ahead.
“I think the nerves will always be there because this is just such a cool tournament,” Kim said. “It’s such a big tournament and a really good major on our schedule, but I have a lot more experience. Definitely more experience playing professionally, more rounds under my belt, so I’m really looking forward to this week.”
A former Vanderbilt University All-American, Kim won the NCAA Auburn Regional in 2019 and qualified for match play in the 2019 and 2020 U.S. Women’s Amateurs. While attending Nease High School, she didn’t anticipate turning pro as quickly as she did or competing at the sport’s highest level so soon.
“I knew what I wanted to achieve,” Kim said. “I knew I had big goals and wanted to play on Tour, but it definitely happened a lot sooner than I thought it would. Ever since then, I’ve just been living the dream of playing every single week. It’s been a really great experience.”
Kim also expressed gratitude for the support she has received throughout her journey.
“Got to give a shoutout to St. Johns Golf. They’ve been hosting me since I was in high school, so they’ve done so much to support my career,” she said.
As she prepares for the U.S. Women’s Open, the oldest of the LPGA’s majors with the largest purse in women’s golf history, totaling $12 million, Kim has been working diligently all week.
“Just been playing nine holes every single day trying to get good looks at the course,” Kim said. “Trying to get as much information as possible. Hitting all the shots, chips, and putts around the greens. I feel like the greens are definitely the most complicated part of the week, so just playing smart. I play conservatively when I need to and have a good game plan heading into round one.”
Kim’s parents, who also reside in St. Augustine, will be in Wisconsin to support her during the tournament.