‘I’m pumped’ to play in the upcoming U.S. Women’s Open at CordeValle
Published in the June 8 – 21, 2016 issue of Morgan Hill Life
By Christina Kim
Christina Kim
As a professional golfer, I love that my job takes me around the world. That’s why it’s so cool that the U.S. Women’s Open is being held at the CordeValle Golf Club resort this year — it’s like having the world come to my backyard. I grew up less than a half-hour from the course and I’m so thrilled to be able to try and win my national title so close to home.
In my eyes, the U.S. Women’s Open represents the pinnacle of golf. This year the championship attracted more than 1,800 entries from players in 52 different countries. The final field (156 players) is the strongest we see all year and it always produces a deserving champion. For me personally, there are few things in life more thrilling than being able to vie for your national title.
This is only the third time the United States Golf Association has brought the U.S. Women’s Open to California, and they couldn’t have picked a nicer spot than CordeValle. I have only played the course a handful of times, but I love it. It’s an incredible test of golf and I love the setting, surrounded by hills and, of course, a winery! Anyone who comes out to watch is going to have a great time.
Christina Kim, born in San Jose, has been a professional golfer since 2002. She will play the 2016 U.S. Women’s Open at CordeValle July 4 – 10.
Photo courtesy the USGA
Week in and week out, playing professional golf is all about trying to improve. The competition out on tour is fierce, and the young players coming out here are ready to win right away. But the U.S. Women’s Open is a bit different. It rewards patience, because the scores typically aren’t as low as a regular event. The USGA always sets up the U.S. Women’s Open course to test every aspect of our games. In order to win, I’ll need everything in top shape that week. One of my goals is just to focus and stay relaxed. I’m naturally an aggressive player, so I need to make sure I am relaxed enough to know when to use my aggression versus utilizing my brain.
My preparation is coming along nicely. I’m focusing on a lot of changes with my father, who coaches me. I have been working hard and I think I’ll be ready to peak right around the beginning of July. I know it’s going to be an amazing week no matter what. I expect to have a lot of extended family come to support me, and I have tons of friends from high school and junior golf coming to watch.
It’s not every day that the world’s best golfers compete for our biggest title right here in Northern California. This is very cool, and I hope all the golf fans from the region take advantage of the opportunity to come watch us play. Let’s show the world our NorCal spirit!
Christina Kim, 32, is an American professional golfer currently playing on the LPGA Tour and on the Ladies European Tour. She is known for her animated style of play, flamboyant dress and outgoing personality. She wrote this column for Morgan Hill Life.
