Consistency Key for Kim’s Medal, Park Wins Playoff to Qualify for 77th U.S. Girls’ Junior
HAWORTH, N.J. - Minjung (Jessica) Kim of Tenafly and Christine Park of Norwood earned berths in the 77th U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship after successfully qualifying Wednesday at Haworth Country Club. The pair advanced to the championship, set for Durham, North Carolina, following 18 holes of qualifying on the club’s 6,293-yard, par-72 course.
Kim shot a 4-under-par 68 to earn medalist honors and punch her ticket to North Carolina. She exemplified elite consistency, notching a blemish-free round highlighted by four birdies.
“I always dreamed about this; I wanted to qualify for any USGA event, especially the Girls’ Junior,” said Kim. “I’m really happy and proud of myself that my work put into this game paid off.”
Three of Kim’s four birdies came within the first six holes, including one on the 368-yard, par-4 second hole and the par-5, 530-yard, sixth hole.
“After I made that birdie on the second hole, I thought I was doing pretty good,” said Kim. “I was just consistent throughout the round and tried not to make mistakes.”
A playoff between Sharon Kim from Fort Lee, New Jersey and Christine Park from Norwood, New Jersey ensued for the second spot after both finished even-par 72.
Park won the playoff to clinch the second qualifying spot and her trip to Durham. Kim and Park tied two playoff holes before Park took the third playoff hole; Kim thus secured the first alternate spot.
U.S. Junior Girls’ Qualifiers (Hometown)
Minjung (Jessica) Kim (Tenafly, N.J.); (-4) 68
Christine Park (Norwood, N.J.); (E) 72
Alternates
Sharon Kim (Fort Lee, N.J.); (E) 72 (First Alt.)
Aditi Lakhawala (Kendall Park, N.J.); +1 73 (Second Alt.)
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