Auston Kim, a rising star on the LPGA Tour, celebrated her birthday in an unforgettable way this year when U.S. Solheim Cup captain Angela Stanford called her with exciting news. On August 16, while enjoying a leisurely afternoon playing frisbee in her backyard at the St. Johns Golf and Country Club, Kim received the call that she had qualified for the U.S. team set to compete against Europe from September 11-13 at the Bernardus Golf Club in Cromvoirt, Netherlands.
"It was a good birthday present," Kim remarked on September 1 after a practice session at her home course. She expressed her surprise at the timing of the call, noting that if she had been participating in a tournament that week, the experience would have been quite different. Instead, she was able to enjoy the moment without the pressure of competition.
Kim will join a formidable U.S. team that includes notable players like Nelly Korda, Jennifer Kupcho, Rose Zhang, and Allisen Corpuz. They will face a strong European squad featuring Charley Hull, Lottie Woad, Celine Boutier, and Leona Maguire. As one of only two rookies on the team, alongside Lindy Duncan, Kim is stepping into a significant role on a squad that is the defending champion, having won the previous Solheim Cup in 2024 with a close score of 15.5-12.5 at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Course in Gainesville, Virginia.
Historically, the U.S. team holds an 11-8 advantage in the Solheim Cup series, making this upcoming competition particularly important for both sides. Kim, who was named the Times-Union's girls high school player of the year in 2016, has deep roots in the First Coast area, having developed her skills through local junior golf programs.
In her third season on the LPGA, Kim has made a significant impact, earning over $1.3 million in 2026 alone and surpassing $3.5 million in total career earnings. Her impressive performance includes top-10 finishes in two major championships this year: a tie for fifth at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and a tie for ninth at the Amundi Evian Championship in France. These accomplishments helped her secure enough points to automatically qualify for the Solheim Cup team, a goal she had set for herself at the beginning of the season.
Kim expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to represent her country and her home club, stating, "It feels very cool. It’s an honor and a privilege, and I’m very proud to have earned this opportunity." She also praised Captain Angela Stanford, highlighting her calm demeanor and dedication to the team. Kim looks forward to learning from the experienced players on her team and is eager to contribute to their success.
After the Solheim Cup, Kim plans to maintain a busy schedule, participating in seven tournaments leading up to the CME Tour Championship from November 19-22 in Naples. She aims to secure her position within the top-60 on the points list to qualify for this prestigious event. Reflecting on her journey, Kim acknowledged the challenges she has faced and the lessons learned from her near-misses in previous tournaments, emphasizing the importance of perseverance in her pursuit of an LPGA title.
The excitement surrounding Kim's participation in the Solheim Cup has also resonated with her home club, which is organizing a watch party for her singles matches on September 13. Kim expressed her appreciation for the unwavering support she has received from the St. Johns Golf and Country Club community throughout her career, stating, "It’s really amazing to feel the support of everyone here." With her birthday surprise leading to this significant achievement, Kim is poised to make her mark on the international stage.
Leave a Comment