Grace Kim runner-up in LPGA Tour’s Meijer Classic
Grace Kim – image PGA of America
Sydney’s Grace Kim has narrowly missed out on a second LPGA Tour title after losing a two-hole playoff to American Lilia Vu at the Meijer LPGA Classic in Michigan.
Grace was tied with Vu and soon-to-be-retired American Lexi Thompson through 72 holes after taking a five shot lead into the final day.
Kim started shakily with bogeys at her opening two holes but she was able to recover to join the playoff in which all three birdied the first extra hole before again sharing honours at the second.
Vu, a two-time major champion, would however birdie the third extra hole to record a victory in her first start since March during which she was recovering from a back injury.
Kim earns a cheque for US$234,000, bettering her previous best cheque this season of US$31,000 after what had been a very slow start to the year.
“I mean, I think going the three playoff holes with the Player of the Year last year, two major champions and obviously Lexi just being an icon for women’s golf says a lot about my game I guess,” said Kim acknowledging what had been an outstanding week.
“Obviously, didn’t get it done. Yeah, it sucks, but I think I can see myself I guess in the future as well. Just how much I’ve grown as well. It’s only my second year out, and to be in this position it’s as you can tell overwhelming.
“I think again, just seeing how much improvements I’ve gone through, obviously it’s credit — all the credits go to my team to push me this far, and to get to these opportunities is, you know, unbelievable.
“To be able to play against these players in certain conditions and playoff for three holes, I think we all know we played some good damn golf. It’s just making sure you have a good circle around you and I think I have that.
“I know I’m hitting it good. Doing all the right things. Just things have to kind of go my way as well. It’s not just about hitting good shots. It’s about better luck as well.
“Excited for Sahalee next week. Haven’t been there before and I know it’s going to be a course that I’m going to like. Yeah, really looking forward to it and hopefully try and do it again.”
Kim’s fellow Australians Hira Naveed and Gabi Ruffels tied for 17th
