Q A+ Christina KimI


t’s been quite a ride for LPGA Tour star Christina Kim. Following a sensational junior career,


the now 32-year-old San Jose native opted to turn pro at age 18. In her first three seasons on the tour, she’d win twice to become the youngest woman to reach $1 million in earnings.


44 / NCGA.ORG / SPRING 2016 Known for her Kangol berets and


infectious, fun-loving attitude, in 2010, Kim collaborated with Sports Illustrated scribe Alan Shipnuck to author “Swinging From My Heels: Confessions of an LPGA Star,” which chronicled the life of an LPGA player. But it all wasn’t just glitter. Behind the


scenes, it was during the 2011 season that Kim became so depressed that thoughts of suicide swirled in her head. “We all have our demons,” Kim said. “Mine just almost got the best of me.”


In 2014, the pendulum swung back


when she notched the “biggest win in my life” by capturing the title at the Lorena Ochoa Invitational. It marked Kim’s first victory since the Tournament of Champi- ons in 2005, ending a 221-tournament victory drought. When she arrives at CordeValle in July,


she’ll get a chance to compete in the U.S. Women’s Open for the first time in her own backyard. Recently, NCGA Golf caught up with the affable Kim to chat about the upcoming championship, her past and where she is now.


–Jerry Stewart


PHOTO: AP


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