During her amateur career, Kristen Gillman compiled one of the most impressive resumes in recent Texas golf history. Her record proves the Austin native was very good at winning golf tournaments, no matter the field, format or venue. She won when competing in her own age division and against older, more experienced amateurs, in match play and stroke play events and on courses in the Lone Star State and as far away as Maynooth, Ireland.
As a 16-year-old in 2014, Gillman defeated the No. 2, 4, 7 and 10-ranked amateurs in match play on her way to winning the 114th U.S. Women’s Amateur. She captured the title again four years later, joining an exclusive list of two-time champions. The golf world at large might have been surprised at the teenager’s turn in the national spotlight, but not her followers in Texas. They had watched her succeed at every level from junior and high school golf on up through her time as an All-American at the University of Alabama.
Now in her third year on the LPGA Tour, Gillman has yet to notch her first victory, but she’s been a consistent top finisher and has made the cut in 80 percent of the events she’s played. Based on Gillman’s track record of success, it won’t be long before she makes her first appearance in the pro tour’s winner’s circle.