[At Clubhouse] 'US Women's Open Champ' Kim Arim "Power of Mom's Home-cooked Meals"

Major Surprise Win as Non-Member, Mom Supports Korean Food from the US, Announces US Entry Next Year: "Enjoying Golf with Power Hitting"

'US Women's Open champion' Kim A-lim is determined to "enjoy playing golf on the LPGA Tour in the new year of 2021."

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] "The driving force behind the victory is Korean cuisine."

Nothing gives more strength than mom’s homemade meals. This is the story of Kim Arim (26), the 'US Women’s Open Champion.' She caused a sensation with her surprise victory at the US Women’s Open, the final major of the 2020 LPGA Tour season, held last month on the Cypress Creek Course at Champions Golf Club in Houston, Texas. "Even in the US, my mom (Kim Ho-shin) carefully prepared meals for me every day," she explained, "Korean food was a great source of strength."

▲ "I still can’t believe it" = No one expected it. She grabbed the championship on her very first US Women’s Open appearance. Following Yoo So-yeon (31, Mediheal) in 2011 and Jeon In-ji (27, KB Financial Group) in 2015, she became the third Korean player to win as a non-member, and the fifth player overall to win on their first appearance after Patty Berg (1946), Kathy Cornelius (1956), Kim Ju-yeon (40, 2005), and Jeon In-ji. "Everything feels like a dream," she cheered, "This is the best moment of my life."

Kim A-rim is seen cheering while holding the trophy in front of the leaderboard immediately after winning the US Women's Open.

After returning to Korea on the 16th of last month, she is currently resting in self-quarantine following COVID-19 prevention guidelines. "Many people have sent me congratulatory messages since the victory," she said, "I’m taking a comfortable rest." Kim Arim added, "I also took the time to thank those who supported me," and said, "I slept well, played StarCraft which I usually wanted to play, and started home training."

▲ 'The power of long drives' = Kim Arim is the 'number one' long hitter domestically. She ranks first in driving distance on the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour with an average of 259.52 yards. She has held the top spot for three consecutive years since 2018 and can drive up to 300 yards when she wants. Based on her powerful drives, she has secured two wins on the KLPGA Tour. She also benefited greatly from her long drives at the US Women’s Open. Among players who advanced to the third round, she ranked first in average driving distance at 262.5 yards.

She showed strength in the final three holes on the last day. On the 16th hole (par 3, 178 yards), where most players use a hybrid club, she made a 1-meter birdie with a 5-iron. On the 17th hole, nearly 400 yards, she used an 8-iron, and on the 18th hole (both par 4), she hit her second shot with a 48-degree wedge to easily add another birdie. "I gained confidence as the game progressed," Kim Arim said, "I was lucky to have fortune in the form of a victory. It really feels like a dream," she smiled.

Kim Arim will challenge the American stage this year, leading with powerful long hits.

▲ 'Wise choice after careful consideration' = After returning to Korea, she pondered deeply. She deliberated whether to use the 'LPGA Tour direct entry ticket' granted to the US Women’s Open champion. "Since returning, I have been in continuous discussions with my family, sponsors, and management company," Kim Arim said, "I decided to seize the great opportunity to compete on the US stage, which I have long desired," adding, "I was very impressed with the training environment while participating in the US Open."

She is expected to have the busiest off-season since becoming a professional. She needs to arrange winter training, and find a dedicated manager, trainer, caddie, and a place to live. "I have roughly outlined a plan in consultation with my management company," she said, "I will gradually make this more concrete." Her goal is 'enjoyable golf.' Next is the challenge for Rookie of the Year, which she has not achieved domestically. "I want to further develop my golf," she said firmly, "and show a good performance in the US as well."