Maelynn Kim Wins Women’s Western Amateur in Dramatic Finish at Red Run

Maelynn Kim of Houston went wire to wire at Red Run Golf Club to win the 125th Women’s Western Amateur, holding off Vanderbilt freshman Elizabeth Rudisill 1 up in Saturday’s championship match.

Kim never trailed and built a 3-up lead through 15 holes. Rudisill responded with wins at 16 and 17, setting up a tense final hole. Both players reached the par-5 18th green in regulation, but Kim rolled in her birdie to seal the win and claim one of amateur golf’s oldest titles.

Kim’s path to the final included wins over USC’s Elise Lee, College of Charleston’s Emma Schimpf, and Ohio State’s Kary Hollenbaugh. She also survived a 22-hole battle in the Round of 32 against Wake Forest’s Macy Pate.

With the victory, Kim earns an exemption into the 2025 U.S. Women’s Amateur at Bandon Dunes.

Rudisill, just 18, impressed throughout the week, including wins over Iowa State’s Pimkwan Chookaew and Michigan State’s Brooke Biermann in match play.

First played in 1901, the Women’s Western Amateur is one of the longest-running and most respected women’s amateur events in the world. It is co-hosted by the Women’s Western Golf Association and the Western Golf Association.

Sources:
Golf Genius Bracket
Golfweek Recap
University of Houston
WWGA News