Kimberly Kim makes LPGA member debut
Hilo’s Kimberly Kim will make her debut as an LPGA member in next week’s RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup, March 18-20, at Wildfire Golf Club in Phoenix.
The first domestic event of 2011 has no prize money, with $500,000 going to the LPGA Foundation and another $500,000 to the top 10 finishers’ designated charities. Players earn points towards player and rookie of the year and Rolex Rankings. Scores will count for the Vare Trophy and finishes will impact the LPGA official money list.
Kim is one of 28 rookies from 10 countries and 11 states now on tour. She won the 2006 U.S. Women’s Amateur and 2009 U.S. Junior Girls and is one of seven Kims playing Founders Cup.
Michelle Wie and Ayaka Kaneko, Hawaii’s other two LPGA members, are not playing in Phoenix.