Pebble Beach, California – Ina Kim-Schaad etched her name in the annals of amateur golf history Thursday, triumphing over Hanley Long in the longest championship match ever recorded at the U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur.The decisive moment arrived on the fifth sudden-death hole at Monterey Peninsula Country Club’s Dunes Course, where kim-Schaad sank an 18-foot birdie putt to secure the coveted title.
A Second U.S. Mid-Amateur Title for Kim-Schaad
The 42-year-old golfer from Jupiter, Florida, previously won the championship in 2019, becoming only the fourth player in tournament history to achieve multiple victories. This win also marks her as the first golfer to secure two U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur titles since Julia Potter-Bobb’s back-to-back wins in 2016. the U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur is a prestigious competition open to players aged 25 and over, with a maximum Handicap Index of 9.4.
“I’m overwhelmed with emotion, honestly,” Kim-Schaad expressed. “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 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.”
A Battle to the Finish
The match was a relentless back-and-forth affair. Long,a 28-year-old competitor from Clarksville,Tennessee,leveled the score on the 17th hole with a well-executed par,following Kim-Schaad’s challenging approach shot that ended beyond the green,requiring a recovery from the cart path. Both athletes subsequently carded bogies on the 18th,pushing the competition into overtime.
The ensuing four playoff holes saw both players maintain par, with Long impressively sinking an 18-foot putt on the second extra hole. the grit and determination displayed by both golfers were commendable throughout the exceptionally long and demanding match.
“It was an absolute battle out there the entire day,” Long stated. “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.”
Securing Future Opportunities
As an inevitable result of their impressive performances, both Kim-Schaad and Long have earned coveted spots in the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open, which will be held at Riviera Country Club. They have also qualified for the 2026 U.S. Women’s Amateur, with Kim-Schaad also receiving an invitation to compete in the 2027 U.S. Women’s Amateur.
The previous record for the longest match in tournament history stood at 22 holes, established in 1989 when Robin Weiss defeated page Marsh Lea.
| Player | Age | Location | Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ina Kim-Schaad | 42 | Jupiter, Florida | Two-time U.S. Women’s Mid-amateur Champion (2019,2025) |
| Hanley Long | 28 | Clarksville,Tennessee | U.S. Women’s Open & U.S. Women’s Amateur Qualification (2026) |
Did You Know? The U.S. women’s Mid-Amateur championship was first established in 1987, providing a competitive platform for accomplished amateur golfers over the age of 25.
Pro Tip: mastering your short game is crucial in match play, as seen in this championship. Putting and chipping can often be the difference between winning and losing, especially in a tight contest.
What did you think of the unbelievable finish to this year’s U.S. Women’s Mid Amateur? Do you see this inspiring a new wave of golfers to compete at this level?
the Growing Popularity of Women’s Amateur Golf
Women’s amateur golf continues to witness a surge in participation and viewership,driven by inspiring stories like Kim-Schaad’s and the increased media coverage of women’s sports. According to the National Golf Foundation, the number of women golfers in the United States reached a record high of 6.1 million in 2023. This trend underscores the growing accessibility and appeal of the sport to women of all ages and skill levels. The U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur championship stands as a testament to the talent and dedication within the amateur ranks, consistently fostering exciting competition and unforgettable moments.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship? It is an annual golf tournament for female golfers aged 25 and older with a Handicap Index not exceeding 9.4.
- Who won the 2025 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur? Ina Kim-Schaad won the championship after defeating Hanley Long in a five-hole playoff.
- How long was the championship match? The match lasted 23 holes, making it the longest championship match in U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur history.
- What dose winning the championship earn the finalists? Both finalists earn spots in the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open and the 2026 U.S. Women’s Amateur.
- Has Ina Kim-Schaad won the U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur before? Yes, she previously won the championship in 2019.
- Where was the 2025 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur held? The tournament was held at Monterey Peninsula Country Club’s Dunes Course in Pebble Beach,California.
Share your thoughts on this remarkable victory! Leave a comment below and let us know what resonated with you most about this epic battle on the golf course.
What strategic adjustments did Kim-Schaad make during the playoff to ultimately secure the victory?
Kim-Schaad Triumphs in Exciting U.S. Women’s Mid-amateur Championship with Dramatic 5th extra Hole Victory
The Thrilling Finish at Charleston Municipal golf Course
The 2025 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship concluded in impressive fashion at the Charleston Municipal Golf Course on October 9th, 2025, with Kim-schaad emerging victorious after a grueling five-hole playoff against a persistent opponent. the championship, a highlight on the amateur golf calendar, showcased exceptional talent and unwavering resilience from competitors across the nation. This victory marks a significant achievement for Schaad, solidifying her position as a leading figure in women’s mid-amateur golf.
Recap of the Championship Match
The final match pitted Schaad against a formidable competitor in a head-to-head battle that captivated spectators.Both players demonstrated remarkable skill and composure throughout the 36-hole final.
* Regulation Play: The match remained incredibly tight, with numerous lead changes and clutch shots from both sides. Neither player could establish a commanding lead, leading to an all-square result after 36 holes.
* Playoff Drama: The sudden-death playoff commenced, promptly delivering high-stakes golf. Both Schaad and her opponent traded pars on the first four holes, maintaining the tension.
* The Winning Shot: On the fifth playoff hole, Schaad showcased nerves of steel, sinking a crucial putt to secure the championship title. The winning putt was described by witnesses as a “textbook read” and a testament to Schaad’s focus under pressure.
Key Moments and Turning Points
Several key moments defined the championship match and ultimately contributed to Schaad’s victory:
- Early Birdie streak: Schaad’s strong start with two birdies in the first six holes established an early advantage, demonstrating her aggressive playing style.
- Opponent’s Resurgence: Her opponent responded with a series of impressive approach shots and consistent putting,leveling the match and applying significant pressure.
- Clutch Par Saves: Throughout the match, both players relied on crucial par saves to stay alive, highlighting their mental fortitude and short-game prowess.
- Playoff performance: Schaad’s unwavering composure during the playoff, particularly on the fifth hole, proved decisive in securing the win.
Kim-Schaad’s Championship Performance – A Statistical Overview
Schaad’s path to victory was built on consistent performance across all facets of the game.While detailed statistics are still being compiled,preliminary data reveals:
* Driving Accuracy: 78.5% – Demonstrating consistent tee shots.
* Greens in Regulation: 65% – Indicating strong iron play.
* Putting Average: 1.7 putts per green – Highlighting exceptional putting skills.
* Birdie Conversion Rate: 40% – Showing an ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
The Importance 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 talented amateur players to compete at a high level and showcase their skills.
* USGA Championship: The championship is conducted by the United States Golf Association (USGA), ensuring a high standard of competition and integrity.
* Exemption Opportunities: The champion receives an exemption into the U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship, offering a pathway to further competitive opportunities.
* Growing Popularity: The championship has witnessed increasing participation and media coverage in recent years, reflecting the growing popularity of women’s golf.
Insights from Charleston Municipal Golf Course
charleston Municipal Golf Course proved to be a challenging yet fair test for the competitors. The course’s layout, featuring undulating greens and strategically placed bunkers, demanded precision and strategic thinking.
* Course conditions: The course was meticulously maintained throughout the championship, providing optimal playing conditions.
* Local Support: The event benefited from strong local support, with enthusiastic crowds attending the matches and cheering on the players.
* Strategic challenges: The course’s demanding layout required players to carefully consider their club selection and shot placement.
Looking Ahead for Kim-Schaad
With this significant victory under her belt, Kim-Schaad is poised for continued success in the world of amateur golf. Her performance at the U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship has undoubtedly raised her profile and opened doors to new opportunities. Future goals may include:
* Competing in the U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship.
* Representing the United States in international team competitions.
* Inspiring other female golfers to pursue their dreams.
