On August 16, Auston Kim, a rising star from St. Augustine, received a memorable birthday surprise when U.S. Solheim Cup captain Angela Stanford called to inform her that she had qualified for the U.S. team. This team will compete against Europe from September 11-13 at the Bernardus Golf Club in Cromvoirt, Netherlands.
Kim was enjoying a leisurely Sunday afternoon, playing frisbee in the backyard of her home at St. Johns Golf and Country Club with her sister, August, when she received the call. Stanford was in Portland, Oregon, at the site of an LPGA event when she delivered the news that would mark a significant milestone in Kim's burgeoning golf career.
"It was a good birthday present," Kim reflected on September 1 after a practice session at her home course. "Completely unexpected. If I had played a tournament that week, I would have been on-site, and it would have been a lot different. I wasn’t in a golf mode."
As Kim prepares for the Solheim Cup, she will join a talented roster of U.S. teammates, including notable players like Nelly Korda, Jennifer Kupcho, Rose Zhang, and Allisen Corpuz. The European team, led by Charley Hull, Lottie Woad, Celine Boutier, and Leona Maguire, will provide a formidable challenge. This year’s competition is particularly significant as the U.S. team aims to defend their title after a narrow 15.5-12.5 victory in 2024 at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Course in Gainesville, Virginia.
Kim's journey to the Solheim Cup is noteworthy, as she becomes one of only two rookies on a squad filled with experienced players. The only other First Coast resident to have played in the Solheim Cup was Deb Richard of Ponte Vedra Beach. In contrast, Kim has deep roots in the area, having been recognized as the Times-Union's girls high school player of the year in 2016 while competing for Nease High School.
In the 2026 LPGA season, Kim has made a significant impact, achieving top-10 finishes in two major championships. She tied for fifth at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship held at Hazeltine National and secured a tie for ninth at the Amundi Evian Championship in France. These performances have propelled her to a career total of over $3.5 million in earnings, with her current standing at 21st in the Race to the CME Globe.
Reflecting on her qualification, Kim expressed pride in earning her spot on the team through hard work, stating, "It’s definitely something that I worked hard for a long time. It was at the top of my list [of goals] at the beginning of the season to be able to qualify for the team and not have to wait around for a [captain’s] pick. Earning enough points automatically is an honor."
Kim also praised captain Angela Stanford, a respected figure in women’s golf with an impressive record as a seven-time LPGA winner and six-time Solheim Cup player. She admires Stanford’s calm demeanor and commitment, noting, "She puts 100 percent effort every single day and all she’s thinking about is this cup and bringing it back home to the U.S. We’re all very fortunate to have such a great leader."
Looking ahead, Kim plans to maintain a busy schedule following the Solheim Cup, with seven tournaments remaining before the CME Tour Championship, which runs from November 19-22 in Naples. Her goal is to stay within the top 60 on the points list to secure her place in the season-ending event.
As Kim prepares to represent her country, she feels the support of her home club, where members are planning a watch party for her singles matches during the Solheim Cup. "It’s very cool," she said, reflecting on her journey and the encouragement she has received from the St. Johns Golf and Country Club community. "I’ve been here since I was a kid, and it’s really amazing to feel the support of everyone here."
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