Celebrating Victory: Ina Kim-Schaad Claims Second U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship
Ina Kim-Schaad etched her name into the golfing history books once more by winning the 2025 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship for the second time. This memorable event unfolded on Thursday at Monterey Peninsula Country Club’s Dunes Course, where Kim-Schaad secured her victory with a remarkable 18-foot putt on the fifth extra hole. The final match, lasting an extraordinary 23 holes, marked the longest in the championship’s history—a testament to her resilience and skill on the course.
At 42 years, Kim-Schaad has established herself as a seasoned competitor in USGA events, marking her 20th appearance in a USGA championship this year. Her latest achievement places her among the elite in the tournament’s history. She is now the fourth-oldest champion in the event’s lineage and the first woman to win the Mid-Am twice since Julia Potter-Bobb’s success in 2016. Kim-Schaad’s previous title came in 2019 at Forest Highlands Golf Club in Flagstaff, Arizona.
The emotions that Kim-Schaad feels are not lost on her; she expressed her overwhelming happiness following the victory. "I’m still overwhelmed with emotion," she remarked, reminiscing about her wedding in Carmel. "To do it at such a special place, with my family here and my husband on the bag, it’s like there’s not even enough language to describe how I’m feeling." Her personal connection to the venue added layers of significance to her win.
Throughout the tournament, Kim-Schaad displayed her impressive skill set. She began with stroke-play rounds of 72 and 79, placing her as the 45th seed for the match-play Round of 64. As she advanced through the rounds, she showcased her formidable game by winning her first match 1-up, followed by a 2 and 1 victory in the Round of 32. Her progression continued as she defeated her Round of 16 opponent 3 and 2 and her quarterfinal opponent 3 and 1, ultimately defeating the No. 1 seed Katherine Zhu 2 and 1 in the semi-finals.
The final showdown against Hanley Long, 27, was nothing short of dramatic. Kim-Schaad took an early lead, winning the first hole, and while she never trailed, Long kept the pressure on by tying the match multiple times, including on the 17th hole. Their fierce competition epitomized the spirit of the championship, culminating in Kim-Schaad’s decisive birdie on the fifth extra hole.
Long, reflecting on the challenging day, congratulated Kim-Schaad on her excellence. “It was an absolute battle out there the entire day,” she said. “Hats off to our champion. She absolutely crushed it today.” Long also commended her own performance, showing pride in her determination and resilience throughout the match.
In addition to the prestige of her victory, Kim-Schaad received additional accolades. Her win grants her exemptions into the next 10 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur Championships, along with entries into the 2026 and 2027 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championships and the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open Championship at the prestigious Riviera Country Club. This win also reaffirms her status as a leading player in women’s golf.
Looking ahead, the 2026 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship is set to take place at Montclair Golf Club in West Orange, New Jersey, from September 29 to October 3. With future competitions on the horizon, Kim-Schaad’s recent triumph has undoubtedly set the stage for more exhilarating performances.
In conclusion, Ina Kim-Schaad’s journey at the U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship serves as an inspiring tale of passion, persistence, and exceptional skill. Her remarkable victory narrative resonates with both seasoned golf enthusiasts and newcomers, encouraging women to pursue their sporting dreams. The spirit of competition, camaraderie, and triumph continues to shine brightly in the world of women’s golf, promising an exciting future for the sport.
