Like everyone else, UH women’s golf lost a season to the pandemic in 2020. Then, a year ago, they lost their NCAA hopes when the University Club in Baton Rouge was deemed unplayable, and the Committee decided to advance the top seeds.
Annie Kim was part of that UH squad in Baton Rouge that was denied her first NCAA opportunity. That decision was such a disaster that it forced the NCAA Women’s Golf Committee to increase the number of regional locations from four to six. In the case of bad weather, a smaller field at each site would be more likely to complete play each day.
The 2022 UH Women’s Team fell short of the Regional after losing a late lead in the AAC Tournament at Pinehurst last month. But UH senior Annie Kim qualified for the Regional as an individual and will compete at Vanderbilt Legends North Course beginning Monday.
UH head coach Lydia Gumm says Kim is ready for the opportunity.
“I think she is very motivated to play,” Gumm told GoCoogs. “The last two seasons, our year (and hers) have ended in a parking lot, so to get the opportunity to play in postseason is huge. She’s been working really hard, and I know she’s excited to play.”
Kim transferred to UH from Vanderbilt before the 2019 season and knows the North Course very well. As a Vanderbilt freshman, Annie finished 15th in the Mason Rudolph, Vandy’s tournament that is held at the North Course, and was also part of the UH team that won the tournament a year later. The local knowledge will help her as she attempts to qualify for the NCAA Tournament in Scottsdale.
The North Course plays long, the greens are fast, and the types of grasses are unique to the area. The rough on the course – a mix of Fescue and Bluegrass – will give most players some trouble, but Kim’s experience and short-game magic will help.
“She loves the golf course. I think it suits her well,” Gumm said. “Transferring to UH from Vandy, she has played this course several times.
“We spent a lot of time (Sunday) around the greens, and I think she adjusted well.”
Kim tees off at 9:50 CDT Monday in the first round of the 54-hole event.
Previously: Following UH golfer Annie Kim in the final round of the ICON Invitational
