It has been 14 years since 2020/21 LPGA Tour rookie Kyung Kim was last in Hawaii. Kim was born in Maui, moving to Arizona at age 12 for high school and later venturing to the University of Southern California to play collegiate golf. As one of the home-town favorites this week at the LOTTE Championship, Kim was proud of her first-round effort, recording a 3-under 69 (T18) and four strokes out of the lead.
“It's always great to start off my first tournament (of 2021) as a rookie in Hawaii,” said Kim. “Just brings back so many memories and I get to see a lot of good friends and family, so it's been great.”
Kim explained she’s been battling a wrist injury since 2020, and made a goal this week of simply making the cut. She’s already competed in two events on the Epson Tour in 2021, finished T48 in her last start at the IOA Championship presented by Morongo Casino Resort & Spa. “Epson prepared me pretty well,” said Kim. “There is lots of good competition out there, and just coming out here it just kind of kept me a little bit more calm instead of like, Oh, my God, I'm playing with the best players in the world, kind of freaking me out.”
Kim has friend, golfer and Hawaii native Tyler Ota on her bag for the week. As an amateur, Ota made two appearances at the Sony Open on the PGA Tour in 2018 and 2020, missing the cut in both starts. He also won the Hawaii State Amateur in 2019. Ota is now a professional, looking to make his own way in the golfing world, but this week he’s making Kim feel as confident as ever at Kapolei Golf Club.
“It's always nice to have someone that you're comfortable with and someone that you know on the bag, especially at an LPGA event. Can be a little nerve wracking,” said Kim. “He's been great. He's been awesome. I'm happy to have him.”
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