It's the golf experience money can't buy – and Aussie teens Grace Kim and Becky Kay cannot wait to savour it.
Sydneysider Kim and Gold Coaster Kay have today been formally chosen as the winners of the 2018 Karrie Webb scholarships, as a result earning the right to spend time with the legend herself at this year's KMPG Women’s PGA Championship.
It's the 11th time Webb has put her name, time and money behind the scholarship which aims to help outstanding female amateurs learn what's required to succeed as an elite professional.
Both Kim and Kay have been awarded scholarships to the value of $10,000 to be spent on international travel and playing experiences over the northern summer with mentoring support from Webb during the year.
Kim receives the scholarship for the first time, while Kay experienced it last year when she travelled alongside fellow Queenslander Karis Davidson.
The following factors are considered in the determination of the scholarships: performance in the Karrie Webb Series, community work supported by the individual (inside or outside golf), performance as an ambassador for golf in Australia and overseas, and demeanour both on and off the golf course.
In addition to their impeccable behaviour, their standing within the golf community and as role models for other young golfers, Kim, 17, and Kay, 19, performed outstandingly in the Karrie Webb Series which ended with the West Australian Stroke Play Championship last week.
Kay, a member at Coolangatta Tweed Heads, won four events through the 2017-18 season, including three in a row to end the series in Perth last week.
But Kim, the reigning Australian Junior champion and Avondale member, was more consistent throughout, finishing no lower than third in all six of her counting events while winning two.
They edged out their Australian Queen Sirikit Cup teammate Stephanie Bunque, of Melbourne, into third on the series points standings.
"This year’s series has been an exciting one to follow," Webb said.
"There was a lot of great golf played by many of the girls. I’m so happy for Grace Kim and Becky Kay to have been the two best players for the year.
"I’m excited for Grace to have won the series as I know it was a huge goal of hers at the beginning of the season. I enjoyed meeting her and playing a practice round together at the Australian Open in Adelaide this year. Grace has a big future ahead of her.
"I’m looking forward to having Becky back again this year for the second time. Becky came back from an injury earlier in the season and knew she had a lot of work to do when she did. Winning the final three events of the series definitely was a great way of proving her mettle at such an important part of her season."
The pair will spend a week with Hall of Famer Webb in the United States and watch her go about her PGA Championship business at Kemper Lakes Golf Club, near Chicago, from 28 June to 1 July – a slight change from the US Women's Open in previous years.
"There is a really long history with this major championship, so I think the girls will gain great experience attending this event with me," Webb enthused.
"I’m looking forward to having them over in June."
Kim was ecstatic with the news.
"It’s going to be THE best experience yet because I’m getting to see how one of my role models prepare for her tournament," Kim said.
"I already learnt so much from her at the Aussie Open and I can’t wait to learn more! I respect her mentality on course so I hope I can gain some of that strong mindset and then apply it to my own game.
"I can’t wait!"
Kay was equally as overjoyed.
"I'm so excited to spend another week with my biggest idol," the Queenslander said.
"Last year was such a great experience and I'm so happy to be able to do it again."
Click HERE for the points list that helps determine the Karrie Webb Series winners.
Click HERE for all details, including past winners.
Listen to Becky Kay discuss the news on Inside The Ropes Ep. 37
This year’s trip over to the US will have a slight change with the girls attending the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at Kemper Lakes Country Club in Chicago. There is a really long history with this major championship so I think the girls will gain great experience attending this event with me. I’m looking forward to having them over in June.
B
This year’s trip over to the US will have a slight change with the girls attending the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at Kemper Lakes Country Club in Chicago. There is a really long history with this major championship so I think the girls will gain great experience attending this event with me. I’m looking forward to having them over in June.
B