Regardless of the result at the 2025 Augusta National Women’s Amateur, Lauren Kim has already carved out a little piece of history as she is just the second Canadian in the event’s history to play in back-to-back seasons.
But make no mistake – Kim, of Surrey, B.C., isn’t just there to hit a few shots, enjoy the walk, and add another note to her life’s scrapbook. After a breakthrough collegiate victory at the University of Texas in early March, Kim can’t help but smile and say, well, sure, she’s thinking about what it might be like to win the thing.
“It’s on my mind,” Kim told Golf Canada in a recent conversation from Austin as she prepared for this year’s Augusta National Women’s Amateur. “Everyone in this field is capable to win it but with where my game is at right now it’s not something I haven’t been thinking about – winning this championship. I’ve just got to keep chopping wood and keep thinking about what’s here and not end results.”
Kim is a sophomore at the University of Texas and Canada’s top-ranked female amateur. The Augusta National Women’s Amateur field has always carved out a spot for a Canadian, and Brigitte Thibault – who played the first two editions of the championship – is the only other to play it more than once.
There’s a chance Kim will be the first to play it three times, as she is No. 20 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking – 20 spots ahead of Vanessa Borovilos at No. 42 (Borovilos is 60 spots ahead of the next-highest ranked Canadian).
Kim, who is in her fifth year as part of Golf Canada’s national team, finished T14 at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur last year after shooting 71 in the final round at Augusta National itself. Lottie Woad, the world’s top-ranked female amateur, won the title by one shot over Bailey Shoemaker.
Kim’s T14 tied Monet Chun for the best result by a Canadian at the event.
Kim’s Texas connection has been extremely beneficial for her as a member of the club, with Texas ties has taken her and some teammates to Augusta National for a bonus practice round two years in a row. She said the greens are much more challenging than you’d think they would be with “tiny breaks” that aren’t really seen by the naked eye.
“It all comes down to the experience,” Kim said. “Having played there and having a local caddie – that was clutch. He knew the ins and outs and where Rae’s Creek was and all the different things that changed. Augusta changes their course every year.
“To see the differences and my caddie to tell me, it’s really helpful.”
Kim captured the Betsy Rawls Invitational for her first win of 2025 and second of her collegiate career. She was named the SEC Women’s Golfer of the Week in the process – about three weeks out from the Augusta National Women’s Amateur.
She said her game is “really solid” and is very pleased with all the work she did through the wintertime.
“I’ve made a lot of swing changes and gained a lot of strength and speed. That’s what has helped me with my ball striking. I’ve never had an issue with it but now it’s more consistent than ever and all the training that I’ve done is really paying off,” Kim said.
The Augusta National Women’s Amateur will once again consist of two rounds at nearby Champions Retreat Golf Club before the top 30 (and ties) will have a chance to play Augusta National.
There are 72 players in the field to start the week. The event began in 2018.
Kim knows that the week is unique and just because she is playing well and made the cut in 2024, the same success is not promised for 2025. But Kim has a solid game plan, and plenty of experience to lean on, for this year.
“You definitely don’t want to think too far ahead of the end result and especially because there is qualifying to get onto Augusta National – it’s a big deal,” Kim said. “It can definitely captivate your entire mindset of thinking. Like, ‘I have to play well. I have to make the cut.’
“For me it’s just thinking about what’s in front of me and what to deal with versus the whole big picture.”
As her maturity shines through, Kim knows that a straightforward plan to her week will hopefully result in another good finish. Who knows – maybe there will be another Canadian to win at the famed fairways of Augusta National.
“Right now,” Kim said, “My eyes are set on the trophy at Augusta.”