Grace Kim is playing the Women’s NSW Open presented by Worrells at Queanbeyan Golf Club this week with her eyes firmly set on her playing future.
By Golf NSW
The 18-year-old, currently Australia’s highest ranked female on the World Women’s Amateur Rankings, eschewed a place in Australia’s Queen Sirikit Cup Team to get a better understanding of where her game is against some of the best players on the ALPG and Ladies European Tour.
“I need to see what it’s like out here competing regularly. How they play compared to me, how far they hit it compared to me, what their strengths are.
“It’s about seeing what I should be doing better to develop and improve my game.
“I really think this is a big stepping stone to help me get up there with the best,” she said.
Kim makes no secret of the fact a transition to the pro ranks is on her radar and readily agrees this week is about drawing up a road map for her future in the game as much as it is about the competition.
She said the differences between her and many of the professionals playing this week is stark and has left her under no illusion about how much work is required.
“They hit it further than me. It is a big advantage playing shorter clubs into greens. Their proximity to the hole is better than mine, and their mental game is totally different.”
“A breakdown on one hole doesn’t affect them on the next shot.”
Kim was also impressed at how strategic their approach to their game is.
“They take their time, pacing out shots after they have played them to ensure each club has gone the right distance,
“The way they communicate with their caddie, it’s vital.
“You’ve got to communicate, whether you like it or not, you’ve got to talk it out. I learnt that at the Vic Open.”
Asked to sum up what it meant for her in the short-term, and what she believed was a priority for her development, Kim said it was clear.
“I’ve got to get bigger, hit it further, and get it closer… and maybe hole some putts,” she grinned.
