Ashley Kim Awarded Sponsor's Exemption for LPGA Volvik Championship
5/16/2018 2:19:00 PM | Women's Golf
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- University of Michigan women's golfer Ashley Kim was one of three players to receive a sponsor's exemption today (Wednesday, May 16) for the 2018 LPGA Volvik Championship to be played locally at Travis Pointe Country Club. Volvik brand ambassadors Parinda Phokan and Carly Booth received the other two sponsor's exemptions.
"Volvik has given me a wonderful opportunity with this exemption, something I take very seriously," said Kim. "I have dreamt of playing on the LPGA and challenging myself with some of the best players in the world. I was able to watch my sister (Megan) get that chance last year, and now for me to follow makes for a great family moment. I'm looking forward to learning as much as I can and representing the University of Michigan proudly."
"This will be an experience of a lifetime, and we are so thrilled for Ashley," said U-M head coach Jan Dowling. "A huge thank you goes to the Volvik Championship and the tournament directors for giving her this opportunity. Competing against the best female golfers in the world, right here in Ann Arbor, is going to be a wonderful experience. The knowledge she will gain from the entire week will do wonders for her young career."
Kim, who recently finished her first season with the Wolverines, was one of three Michigan golfers to start all nine events during the 2017-18 season. She led U-M in four events and posted a career-best tie for 12th at the Bryan National Collegiate (April 6-8). Her 75.17 scoring average was second among the Wolverines.
She recorded U-M's lowest round of the season as well as tied the second-lowest round in program history with a 66 (-6) in the second round of the Ruth's Chris Invitational (Oct. 13-15). She joined her sister, Megan, as the only two Wolverines to card a 66 in a U-M varsity event. Megan Kim, who finished her career at U-M this spring, will serve as Ashley's caddie for Volvik Championship.
With the exemption, Kim becomes the fourth Wolverine to earn a spot in an LPGA event over the last five years. Grace Choi (2014), Catherine Peters (2015) and Megan Kim (2017) were awarded exemptions to participate in the Meijer LPGA Classic held at Blythefield Country Club in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
"Our program has been incredibly fortunate to be granted exemptions or the opportunity to qualify at four LPGA Tour events around Michigan," said Dowling. "It's a testament to the sponsors and tournament directors for their strong desire to grow the game and give local amateurs an opportunity to compete on the LPGA Tour. Further, we are fortunate to be at the University of Michigan and in the Big Ten where such great opportunities exist for our team. We cannot wait for next week."
With events planned throughout the week, the third Volvik Championship is scheduled to tee off Thursday through Sunday, May 24-27, at Travis Pointe Country Club.
