Idaho’s Kim falters at NCAA women’s golf; Huskies in team finals

BRADENTON, Fla. – While Washington heads into the team match-play portion of the NCAA Women’s Golf Championships today, Idaho’s Leilanie Kim heads home after a most uncharacteristic round.

The senior from Surrey, British Columbia, tied for fifth at 4-over after three rounds, ballooned to 13-over 85 Monday and tumbled into a tie for 38th at 305.

“She was hitting it very inconsistently,” said UI coach Lisa Johnson, “and she didn’t putt very well.”

Still, Johnson added, “It was big-time fun with all the (Golf Channel) cameras and spectators.”

Alabama’s Emma Talley won the championship at the Concession Golf Club to become the fifth player to win the title and the U.S. Women’s Amateur.

The junior holed an 8-foot birdie putt on the final hole after a weather delay for a 3-under 69 and a one-stroke victory over Arkansas’ Gaby Lopez and Duke’s Leona Maguire, 285-286.

Washington State freshman Alivia Brown didn’t make the cut for Monday and finished 114th at 246.

Southern California has the top spot in the eight-team field for the team title and will face Washington in the quarterfinals.

UW maintained eighth with a 300 for 1,214. USC shot 1,192 and is followed by Duke, Baylor, Stanford, Arizona, Tennessee and Texas Tech.