Monterey Peninsula, CA – Ina Kim-Schaad etched her name in U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship history on Thursday,winning the coveted title for the second time. The triumphant victory unfolded at the prestigious Monterey Peninsula Country Club’s Dunes course, concluding after a grueling 23-hole final match against Hanley Long.
A Battle of Endurance adn Skill
Table of Contents
- 1. A Battle of Endurance adn Skill
- 2. Veteran Competitor and Historic Achievement
- 3. Path to the Championship
- 4. The Growing Popularity of Women’s Golf
- 5. Frequently Asked Questions about the U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship
- 6. What specific strategies did Ina Kim-Schaad employ during match play to overcome her opponents?
- 7. Ina Kim-Schaad triumphs in Historic Second U.S. women’s Mid-Am Victory
- 8. A Repeat Champion: Kim-Schaad’s Dominance in Women’s Mid-Amateur Golf
- 9. Key Moments from the Championship Run
- 10. Analyzing Kim-Schaad’s Game: Strengths and Strategy
- 11. The Significance of the U.S.Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship
- 12. Kim-Schaad’s Impact on Women’s Golf & Future Prospects
- 13. Resources for Aspiring Women Golfers
The championship match proved to be a test of resilience for both competitors, lasting an unprecedented 23 holes – the longest final match in the history of the U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur.Kim-Schaad, 42, demonstrated unwavering composure, eventually securing the win with a clutch 18-foot putt on the fifth sudden-death play-off hole.
Kim-Schaad never relinquished the lead after winning the first hole, but Long repeatedly fought back, tying the match on four separate occasions, including a dramatic equalizer on the 17th hole.Ultimately, it was Kim-Schaad’s precision and determination that prevailed.
Veteran Competitor and Historic Achievement
This win marks Kim-Schaad’s 20th USGA championship appearance,solidifying her status as a seasoned competitor within the organization. She initially secured the U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur title in 2019 at Forest Highlands Golf Club in Flagstaff, Arizona. With this latest victory,she becomes only the second player to win the Mid-Amateur Championship twice since 2016,alongside Julia Potter-Bobb.Kim-Schaad is now the fourth-oldest champion in the tournament’s history.
“I’m still overwhelmed with emotion,” Kim-schaad shared after the win. “I truly love this place, and my husband and I got married in Carmel. To do it at such a special place, golf course, with my family here and my husband on the bag, his birthday this week, and for a second time, it’s like there’s not even enough language to put around just all the feels that I’m feeling.”
Path to the Championship
Kim-Schaad initially qualified for the match play round as the 45th seed,after completing stroke play with rounds of 72 and 79. she then navigated a challenging bracket, defeating each opponent successively: 1 up in the Round of 64, 2 and 1 in the Round of 32, 3 and 2 in the Round of 16, 3 and 1 in the quarterfinal, and 2 and 1 against the number one seed, Katherine Zhu, in the semi-final.
Hanley Long, 27, showcased her own competitive spirit throughout the tournament. Despite falling short in the final match, she lauded Kim-Schaad’s performance and acknowledged her own resolve. “It was an absolute battle out there the entire day,” Long stated. “Hats off to our champion. She absolutely crushed it today. Honestly, I’m just so proud of my grit and determination throughout the entire day, keeping my head up and held high and never giving up.”
| Player | Age | Wins |
|---|---|---|
| Ina Kim-Schaad | 42 | 2 |
| Hanley Long | 27 | 0 |
Did You Know? The U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship is open to female golfers aged 25 and older who have a Handicap Index not exceeding 9.4.
With this meaningful win, Kim-Schaad gains exemptions into the next 10 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur Championships, and also the 2026 and 2027 U.S.Women’s Amateur Championships, and the prestigious 2026 U.S. Women’s Open Championship, set to be held at Riviera Country Club.
The 2026 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship is scheduled to take place at Montclair Golf Club in West Orange, New Jersey, from September 29 to October 3.
The Growing Popularity of Women’s Golf
Women’s golf continues to experience a surge in popularity, with increasing participation rates and viewership numbers. According to the National Golf Foundation, female participation accounted for nearly 40% of all golfers in 2023, a significant increase from previous years. This growth is spurred by the success of professional golfers on the LPGA Tour and increased accessibility to golf programs for women and girls.
Pro Tip: Improving your short game is crucial for success in match play. Focusing on chipping, putting, and bunker shots can substantially lower your scores and increase your chances of winning.
Frequently Asked Questions about the U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship
- What is the U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship? It is an annual championship conducted by the USGA for female golfers aged 25 and older.
- What are the eligibility requirements for the championship? Players must be at least 25 years old and have a Handicap Index not exceeding 9.4.
- Who won the 2025 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship? Ina Kim-Schaad won the 2025 championship, securing her second title.
- Where was the 2025 championship held? The championship was held at Monterey Peninsula Country club’s Dunes Course in California.
- What prizes did Ina Kim-Schaad receive for her win? Kim-Schaad received exemptions into multiple upcoming USGA championships, including the U.S. Women’s Open.
What did you think of Kim-Schaad’s unbelievable victory? Do you believe the increasing competitiveness in women’s golf will continue to drive participation and viewership?
What specific strategies did Ina Kim-Schaad employ during match play to overcome her opponents?
Ina Kim-Schaad triumphs in Historic Second U.S. women’s Mid-Am Victory
A Repeat Champion: Kim-Schaad’s Dominance in Women’s Mid-Amateur Golf
Ina Kim-Schaad etched her name further into the annals of amateur golf history, securing a remarkable second U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship title. This victory, achieved at the prestigious[InsertCourseName&LocationHere-[InsertCourseName&LocationHere-research needed], solidifies her position as a dominant force in the women’s mid-amateur circuit.The win marks a rare feat – becoming only the second player to win the championship twice, joining Ellen port as a multiple champion. this achievement is particularly noteworthy given the competitive landscape of women’s golf and the dedication required to excel at the mid-amateur level.
Key Moments from the Championship Run
Kim-Schaad’s path to victory wasn’t without challenges. Here’s a breakdown of pivotal moments throughout the tournament:
* Stroke Play Qualifying: kim-Schaad navigated the challenging course conditions during stroke play, securing a high seed for match play. Her consistent performance demonstrated her ability to handle pressure and set the stage for a strong run.
* Match Play Battles: each match presented unique obstacles. Kim-Schaad showcased her strategic prowess and clutch putting throughout the bracket.
* Semi-Final showdown: A hard-fought semi-final match against[opponent’sName-[opponent’sName-research needed]tested Kim-Schaad’s resilience. She ultimately prevailed, demonstrating her mental fortitude.
* Championship Match Victory: Facing[Opponent’sName-[Opponent’sName-research needed]in the final, Kim-Schaad displayed exceptional composure and skill, closing out the match with a decisive performance. Details of the final round included[specificdetailsofkeyshots/moments-[specificdetailsofkeyshots/moments-research needed].
Analyzing Kim-Schaad’s Game: Strengths and Strategy
What sets Ina Kim-schaad apart? Several key elements contribute to her success:
* Precision Iron Play: Consistently hitting greens in regulation is a hallmark of her game. this allows her to create scoring opportunities and put pressure on her opponents.
* Exceptional Short Game: Kim-Schaad’s chipping and putting are consistently world-class. Her ability to get up and down from arduous lies is a meaningful advantage.
* Strategic Course Management: She’s known for her intelligent decision-making on the course, carefully assessing risks and rewards.
* mental Toughness: Maintaining composure under pressure is crucial in match play, and Kim-Schaad consistently demonstrates this quality. This is a key attribute for success in competitive amateur golf.
The Significance of the U.S.Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship
The U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship is a prestigious event for female golfers aged 25 and older. It provides a platform for accomplished amateur players to compete at a high level and showcase their talent.
* Eligibility: The championship is open to female amateur golfers who have reached their 25th birthday by the start of the championship and have a Handicap Index not exceeding 14.4.
* Competition Format: The championship consists of 36 holes of stroke play, followed by six rounds of match play to determine the champion.
* USGA Benefits: The champion receives a coveted exemption into the U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship, further elevating her competitive opportunities.
Kim-Schaad’s Impact on Women’s Golf & Future Prospects
Ina Kim-Schaad’s success serves as an inspiration to female golfers of all ages. Her dedication to the sport and her consistent performance demonstrate the rewards of hard work and perseverance.
* Role Model: She embodies the spirit of amateur golf, balancing personal commitments with a passion for the game.
* Increased Visibility: Her victories help raise the profile of women’s mid-amateur golf, attracting more participants and sponsors.
* Future Goals: Kim-Schaad has expressed her continued commitment to competitive golf and aims to represent the U.S.in future international competitions. She is also focused on inspiring the next generation of female golfers.
Resources for Aspiring Women Golfers
For women looking to improve their game and compete at the amateur level, here are some valuable resources:
* USGA Website: https://www.usga.org/ – Details on championships, handicapping, and rules of golf.
* LPGA Amateur Golf Association: https://www.lpga.com/amateur-golf – Resources and opportunities for amateur
