World No.10 I.K. Kim is the top ranked player in the field of 126 competitors at this week’s Helsingborg Open at Vasatorp Golfklubb.
Swedish sports fans will be eager to see if she can live up to her nickname ‘Income Kim’ when she tees up on her first visit to Sweden.
Ranked fourth on the LPGA money list, Kim has earned $1,020,879 from 18 events this season with a best finish of second at the US Women’s Open in June and she has earned $6,137,949.50 in seven years on tour.
The likeable 5’3” South Korean star, who lives in San Diego, California, won the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters on the LET in 2009 as well as three tournaments on the LPGA. She feels another win is overdue.
“It’s my first time to Sweden so I’m looking forward to looking around the city and having a good time,” she said. “It’s a really good golf course. There are some very interesting holes and the greens are slopey but I think it will be a good week to play some good golf. The fairways are open, there are a few bunkers around but most important is around the green.”
Kim arrived Tuesday night after a flight from San Diego, but luckily has an early 8am tee time on Thursday. “I’m here to play some good golf but the time zone difference is tough. Morning time will be good. I’ll get some rest and hopefully I’ll be fresh Friday. I feel kind of sleepy right now.”
Kim was encouraged to play in the tournament by her friend Anna Nordqvist, a week ahead of The Evian Championship in France.
She said: “Finally here in Sweden, there are so many great players here. I can’t believe it’s my first time in Sweden so I hope to come back again.”