Kaufman Overcomes Breast Cancer for a Remarkable Comeback... LPGA Q-School Challenge

Competing in Stage 2 of Q-School After Breast Cancer Diagnosis
No Main Tour Wins, Three Victories on Epson Tour
Emphasizing the Importance of Regular Breast Cancer Screenings for Athletes

Kim Kaufman (United States) is aiming to return to the tour after overcoming breast cancer.

On October 14 (local time), the American golf media outlet Golf Digest reported, "Kaufman, who was diagnosed with breast cancer a year ago, will compete in the Stage 2 qualifying event for the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour Q-School, which begins on October 15."

Kim Kaufman Overcomes Breast Cancer and Competes in LPGA Tour Q-School Stage 2. Photo by Golf Digest

Kaufman was born in 1991 and debuted on the LPGA Tour in 2014. While she has not won on the main tour, she has claimed three victories on the Epson (second-tier) Tour. After being diagnosed with cancer in October last year, she underwent a mastectomy in November. She began chemotherapy in January of this year. After being declared cancer-free in June, Kaufman returned to the course in July and finished tied for 37th at an Epson Tour event in September.

Notably, at the Hartford Healthcare Championship, an Epson Tour event in July, Kaufman organized free breast cancer screenings for participating players. Last week, the Epson Tour selected Kaufman as the recipient of this year’s Heather Wilbur Spirit Award. Determined by votes from tour members, this award is given to a professional golfer who demonstrates dedication, courage, perseverance, love for the game, and a strong sense of purpose.

Kaufman shared, "The past year has been a difficult one for me, but I am truly happy to be recognized for my perseverance and determination to overcome adversity." She added, "In my case, I was fortunate to detect cancer early in my early thirties," emphasizing the importance of regular checkups by stating, "It is important for others to detect it early as well."