PORTLAND CLASSIC

August 13, 2025

Gina Kim

Columbia Edgewater Country Club

Press Conference

THE MODERATOR: Here with Gina Kim ahead of the 2025 The Standard Portland Classic. First things first, how does it feel to be back here?

GINA KIM: It feels great. This is actually my first LPGA start of the year, so it obviously feels amazing and this is where I got my career-best finish, so I love the place. I've had great memories and I'm excited for this week.

Q. Like you said, best career finish on the LPGA here. Does that give you a sense of extra confidence coming into this week?

GINA KIM: Yeah, absolutely. I mean, there is a lot of the great shots that I still remember and I still remember even the yardages and the clubs that I took. It feels great to just kind of play off those vibes and just enjoy myself around the course. It fits my eye really well, and so I'm really happy to be here.

Q. Three wins on the Epson Tour this year. Officially clinched your LPGA Tour card for 2026. What have you learned about your game this season on the Epson Tour?

GINA KIM: Yeah, obviously last year was a bit of a struggle, and so this year it was more about shifting my mindset into being able to hold a lead or start chasing for the lead and being comfortable with winning.

I think I accomplished that goal that I set for myself at the beginning of the season, and with that -- having that kind of mindset I think I'm ready to be out here.

Q. You will be returning to the LPGA. I know Jody you had a good relationship and then he was the one who told you. Explain that moment.

GINA KIM: Yeah, honestly I did some of the math myself. I've been just chugging at the numbers a bit just because I was curious to see how it would turn out.

It feels really amazing to have Jody Brothers come up to me and officially congratulate me on it just so there is no questions or doubt.

Yeah, Jody and I, we're very close and just feels really nice to hear from him. I'm really excited to be back.

Q. What's the rest of the year look like for you? Clinched your card and obviously on the LPGA next year. Are you already preparing for next season now?

GINA KIM: Yeah, you know, obviously the way I go about my process, obviously day-to-day stuff nothing really changes. I'm hoping to try to Monday qualify into some other LPGA events, see if I can get another sponsor exemption to another event, assuming someone would graciously give me the spot.

But, yeah, as of now I'm going to play the rest of Epson Tour schedule and obviously the Tour Championship. You know, while we're at it, why not try and get Player of the Year honors? That's what I'm looking forward to.