CALEDON, Ont.—Team Canada members Lauren Kim and Anna Huang have both earned exemptions into the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open.
Kim of Surrey, B.C. shot a total 6-under through two rounds, including nine birdies and one eagle to lead the field at the U.S. Women’s Open Qualifier at Rainier Golf and Country Club in Seattle, Wash. on April 28. This will be Kim’s third appearance at the U.S Women’s Open, previously playing in 2022.
Kim, 20, is currently ranked No. 15 on the World Amateur Golf Rankings (WAGR) and is a junior at the University of Texas. Kim won the Jackson T Stephens Cup as a freshman and finished first at the Betsy Rawls Invitational as a Sophomore. This season, Kim has earned five individual top 10 finishes for Texas and competed in her third Augusta National Women’s Amateur, setting the record for appearances by a Canadian. Kim and her teammates will be competing at the NCAA Regional Championship from May 11-13 in Chapel Hill, N.C.
“Her game is well suited to difficult tests, combining a strong golf IQ with a relentless competitive mindset,” said Salimah Mussani, Stollery Family Women’s Head Coach. “I’m looking forward to seeing her challenge herself against the best players in the world once again. It will serve as a valuable benchmark as she prepares for her senior season at the University of Texas next year” added Mussani.
Huang of Vancouver, B.C. finished the tournament at 1-under carding seven birdies through two rounds to win the qualifier at Somerset Country Club in Mendota Heights, Minn. and book her ticket into the U.S. Women’s Open. This will be Huang’s first appearance at the Women’s U.S. Open.
Huang, 17, is currently ranked No. 83 on the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings and ranked No. 15 on the Ladies European Tour (LET) with six top 25 finishes this season. Huang has played in 27 tournaments on the LET and has recorded two wins and four top ten finishes.
“She caries herself with a maturity well beyond her years, and her calm, steady demeanour is one of her greatest strengths” said Mussani. “Her well rounded skill set across every facet of the game is incredibly impressive and reflected in her Rolex world ranking of 83. Anna is excited to return to golf’s biggest stage, a place she knows she belongs. She also brings a strong sense of perspective and appreciation for the opportunities she has earned along the way” added Mussani.
Kim and Huang along with fellow Canadians, Brooke Henderson and Aphrodite Deng are set to compete at the 81st U.S. Women’s Open from June 4-7 at Rivera Golf Course in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, Calif.
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