June 25, 2012

USC incoming freshman Kyung Kim defeated Ashlan Ramsey, 4&2, to win the 2012 U.S. Women's Amateur Public Links Championship at the 6,221-yard, par-72 Neshanic Valley Golf Course in Neshanic Station, N.J., on Friday (June 22).

"I just can't believe it," said Kim. "It was a long week, but to be finally done and to win, it's pretty amazing."

Kim, who advanced to the 64-player match-play draw after tying for 20th in two rounds of stroke play, had 10 birdies in the championship round. Her victory is the first time that a non-college player has claimed the title since 2007.

Lisa McCloskey, who recently finished her Trojan career, reached the round of 16 in match play after finishing first in stroke play at 7-under 137. Rising sophomore Doris Chen also reached the round of 16, as did rising junior Rachel Morris, who fell to future teammate Kim. Chen tied for 20th in stroke play while Morris tied for 37th.

Kim and Chen will join former Trojans Lizette Salas, Paola Moreno, Veronica Felibert, Dewi Claire Schreefel, Belen Mozo, Jennifer Song and Nicole Castrale at the upcoming Women's U.S. Open, July 5-8, at Blackwolf Run in Kohler, Wisc.