Golf

Kristen Gillman claims second U.S. Women's Amateur Championship

By Cody Benjamin Aug 13, 2018
(Photo Courtesy: Brett Blakemore/@ShortGameGuru1 - Twitter)

For the second time in four years, Kristen Gillman has captured the U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship.

Besting future University of Alabama teammate Jiwon Jeon at The Golf Club of Tennessee on Sunday, the 20-year-old golfer reclaimed a title she first earned in 2014 at age 16. And she did it, as reported by the Associated Press, a month after getting her first professional-event victory at Japan LPGA’s Century 21 Ladies Golf Tournament.

Recently appearing at the U.S. Open, Curtis Cup and Palmer Cup, Gillman had the second-largest stretch between Amateur Championship wins in event history, per the AP. Nonetheless, the 36-hole decision reaffirms her development on the greens in the form of a prized name placement on the Robert Cox Trophy. And it makes her the first two-time Amateur Championship winner since Danielle Kang claimed back-to-back titles in 2010 and 2011.

As the United States Golf Association tweeted Sunday, Gillman “automatically earned a place on the U.S. Women’s World Amateur Team because of her victory.” She has already accepted that honor, according to the USGA, “and will compete alongside Curtis Cup teammate Jennifer Kupcho Aug. 29-Sept. 1 in Dublin.”

Gillman does not hide the influence of faith on her career, either. Her Twitter bio begins with “Galatians 2:20,” which reads, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” It also says that she’s “Saved By Grace.”

Gillman is Alabama’s co-leader in all-time lowest score (54). Her 2017-18 sophomore campaign helped her become the Crimson Tide’s all-time leader in season rounds par or better (22), and she was named first team WGCA All-American and All-SEC.

RELATED STORIES:
– Zach Johnson says God’s peace allows him ‘to play free golf’
– Stephen Curry raises $5K for charity, invites fan to be his caddie at golf tourney
– Golfer Emma Talley leaning on God in her LPGA rookie season

Tags: