20-year-old golfer Lauren Kim secured her spot in the 2026 U.S. Women's Open.

Young Golfer from South Surrey, Canada, Lauren Kim, has secured a spot in the prestigious U.S. Women's Open 2026 to be held in Los Angeles next month. Her ticket to one of the biggest women's professional golf tournaments came after her impressive performance at Rainier Golf & Country Club, Seattle, last month.

Though this marks her third qualification for the U.S. Women’s Open, the University of Texas student maintains a humble attitude.

“I actually didn't know my position since I didn't check the scoreboard during play. I considered looking at the Standings, but knew it wouldn't help, so my caddie helped me stay calm and focused,” Kim stated.

The 20-year-old Kim recalled one of her finest moments when she scored a spectacular hole-out on the fourth hole, her 170-yard shot with a four hybrid club landing directly in the cup.

“I hit from 170 yards with a four hybrid, and the ball went straight into the hole without even leaving a pitch mark. That was thrilling. I went four-under through three holes with birdies on holes two and three, then holed out on the fourth,” she explained.

That momentum proved crucial to Kim's consistent performance throughout the qualifier. She also remembered sinking a 27-foot putt to save par on another hole, which helped maintain her positive rhythm.

“It was a challenging hole playing against the wind with my ball in the rough. But I made par, which preserved my momentum. Everything flowed that day with many successful shots,” she added.

Kim is currently competing in the NCAA season with the University of Texas Women's Golf team while studying Business management. Her immediate focus is the NCAA regional tournament in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

“I just finished my junior year and our competitive season continues. We'll compete at the NCAA regional this Friday in North Carolina,” she said.

The NCAA regional runs May 11-13. If Kim and her Longhorns teammates advance to nationals, they'll compete in the NCAA National Championship later in May at Carlsbad, California.

Shortly after, the 81st U.S. Women’s Open will be held June 4-7 at The Riviera Country Club.

“My priority now is taking things day by day. Preparation is key for upcoming tournaments,” Kim emphasized. 

“I'll ensure my body stays fit while maintaining my usual gameplay. I don't need major swing changes—just consistent hard work.”

Amid her packed schedule, Kim looks forward to returning to South Surrey post-Open, always making time to visit her favorite coastal spots when home.

“Whenever I'm back, I love passing by Crescent Beach and White Rock Beach since my house is nearby,” she shared. 

Kim also expressed missing home-cooked meals prepared by her parents.

Though managing major-tournament pressure, Kim believes she belongs on golf's grandest stage.

“It's a huge platform and vital tournament, but I won't overburden myself. I must trust I deserve to be there and my skills measure up,” Kim affirmed. 

“Focusing shot-by-shot sounds simple, but maintaining that concentration during competition is truly challenging,” she concluded.