Rising University of Houston junior Maelynn Kim won the 125th Women’s Western Amateur on Saturday, outlasting Elizabeth Rudisill, 1 up, in the final at Red Run Golf Club in Royal Oak, Michigan.
Kim, 20, never trailed in the match, taking a 1-up lead on the third hole and holding off a late charge from Rudisill, an incoming freshman at Vanderbilt. Rudisill was 3 down with three to play but mounted a spirited comeback, winning Nos. 16 and 17 to force a pressure-packed finish on the par-5 18th, where Kim made a left-to-right breaking, uphill 15-footer for birdie and the title.
“I felt overwhelmed, blessed and happy – probably every word you can think of that also means happy,” Kim said.
Kim took control early on the par-5 ninth, holing out from 83 yards for eagle that put her 2 up.
“The wind was blowing right to left, and the pin was tucked,” Kim said. “I aimed at a tree behind the flag, hit it perfectly, it stopped and dropped in the hole.”
Rudisill responded with a win at the 10th, but Kim countered by winning Nos. 11 and 13, extending her lead to 3 up. Rudisill clawed her way back, taking advantage of a Kim bogey on No. 16 before sticking her tee shot to 5 feet on the par-3 17th to set up a winning birdie.
“This win brings a lot of confidence. I had an iffy year at school but started playing better toward the end. Winning this gives me momentum going into next year.”
Maelynn Kim
Kim leaned on her mother – who was also her caddie – for support before the final hole.
“She told me to breathe, to let it go and that it’s a new hole,” Kim said. “She reminded me not to stress out because anything is possible.”
That advice paid off. With her victory, Kim earned an exemption into next month’s U.S. Women’s Amateur at Bandon Dunes.
“It’s huge for my game,” Kim said. “This win brings a lot of confidence. I had an iffy year at school but started playing better toward the end. Winning this gives me momentum going into next year.”
Kim’s path to the title was anything but easy. She survived a 22-hole duel against Macy Pate in the round of 32 and went on to defeat Kary Hollenbaugh, Elise Lee and Emma Schimpf on the way to the final.
Rudisill, 18, exceeded her expectations and showed poise beyond her years with her late-round fight.
“My goal was just to make match play,” Rudisill said. “I definitely exceeded that. The weather, course and everyone who helped run this tournament made it such a great week.
“I’ve never been in a final like this. I showed some resiliency on 16 and 17 to put pressure on [Kim]. I can’t wait to be back next year.”
RESULTS
Western Golf Association