Columbia first year Kristina Xu has quickly emerged as one of the top early season breakout performers in collegiate golf, producing a standout fall that included two individual titles and record-setting team performances.

Originally from Claremont, California, Xu said she first got into golf by following her older sister, Kelly, who currently plays at Stanford. She explained that her early development was largely self-taught, with her father guiding her improvement through instruction and online resources, while learning by watching her sister’s path through junior golf.

Xu’s confidence on the national stage grew when she qualified for the U.S. Women’s Amateur at just 15 years old. She described the experience as intimidating but ultimately a major confidence boost, especially competing against elite Division I players in qualifying.

Before arriving at Columbia, Xu built an impressive junior resume, including being a three time Palomares League MVP from 2022 through 2024. She also captured major victories at the 2024 AJGA Fortinet Girls Invitational and the 2024 Roper Honda AJGA Junior Championship, along with winning the 2021 Los Angeles City Women’s Championship.

Xu said Columbia stood out during the recruiting process due to the academic opportunity, the experience of living in New York City, and the chance to compete on Northeast golf courses that offered a completely different test than what she grew up with in California. She also credited head coach Amy Weeks as a major influence in her decision.

Historic Start at Columbia
Xu made an immediate impact in her first semester. She opened her collegiate career by winning the Battle at the Creek, shooting 72, 72, and 74 for a 218 total to claim medalist honors in a 90-player field. The win marked Columbia’s first individual tournament victory since 2015.

She followed with a second title at the Princeton Invitational, earning co-medalist honors at 2 under par after rounds of 69, 72, and 70. Her opening round 69 was her best collegiate score, and her performance helped Columbia set program records for lowest 54-hole team total and lowest score relative to par.

Space Coast Event Page
Final Round Livestream

Event Focus: Space Coast Classic Presented by MoonGolf
Xu and Columbia now head to Florida for the Space Coast Classic Presented by MoonGolf at Duran Golf Club in Melbourne. Xu said she is excited for the warm weather and the chance to compete against a strong field early in the spring season.

The event will also mark her first tournament being livestreamed, but Xu said her focus will remain on staying present and prioritizing her play on the course.

Final Round CGN Livestream Coverage
https://www.youtube.com/live/xRPJeTplwXE

Space Coast Classic Event Page
https://cgnplus.com/space-coast-classic-host-by-moongolf/

Career Snapshot
School: Columbia University
Class: First Year
Hometown: Claremont, California
High School: Claremont High School

Career Highlights
Two time collegiate medalist in first semester
Champion, Battle at the Creek
Co Medalist, Princeton Invitational
Three time Palomares League MVP (2022, 2023, 2024)
Champion, 2024 AJGA Fortinet Girls Invitational
Champion, 2024 Roper Honda AJGA Junior Championship
U.S. Women’s Amateur competitor
Sister Kelly Xu plays at StanfordSources
Interview
Columbia Bio
Space Coast Event Page
Final Round Livestream