'US Women’s Open Champ' Kim Arim "Considering US Entry"

Non-member Victory Secures LPGA Tour Card for Next Year "Still in Disbelief, Hope It Brings Positive Energy in Difficult Times" Reaction

Kim A-rim is cheering as she lifts the trophy immediately after winning her 75th US Women's Open. Houston, Texas, USA = Getty Images / Multibits

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] "I need time to think."

This is the honest feeling of Kim A-rim (25, SBI Savings Bank), the 'US Women's Open Champion.' After her come-from-behind victory at the 75th US Women's Open (total prize money $5.5 million), the final major of the 2020 LPGA Tour season, held on the Cypress Creek Course (par 71, 6,731 yards) at Champions Golf Club in Houston, Texas, on the 15th (Korean time), she said, "I need time to consider joining the LPGA Tour," adding, "I will go home and think about it slowly."

With her major win, she secured her LPGA Tour card for next year and earned $1 million (10.9 billion won) in prize money. She cheered, "It is truly an honor to win the US Women's Open," and said, "I still feel dazed." She made history by winning as a non-member making her first appearance. Kim A-rim, who said "it was difficult to adapt to the course," added, "It was challenging to make precise approaches around the greens, but as time passed, I started to get a feel for it and was able to make aggressive shots."

She also caught a lucky break as the qualification criteria were expanded due to the spread of COVID-19. She said, "It still doesn't feel real," and expressed hope that "during these difficult times, I can be a true source of hope and good energy for someone." Her three consecutive birdies from the 16th hole to the final 18th hole were outstanding. "On the 17th hole, I used a utility club for the tee shot and stuck it close with an 8-iron," she said, "and on the 18th hole, I hit the tee shot with a 3-wood and then played a 48-degree wedge."

Regarding Park Se-ri (43, retired), the 1998 champion, she explained, "I started playing golf long after the pro won," and added, "I think I grew up looking up to the pro like a history textbook." From practice rounds through the tournament, she attracted attention by wearing a mask due to the impact of COVID-19. "I'm not afraid of getting COVID-19 myself, but I wore a mask because I could potentially harm someone else," she said.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.