Both finalists displayed resilience and sportsmanship during the match, which was marked by dramatic moments and intense competition.

Kim-Schaad’s journey to this victory reflects a non-linear path, blending a successful finance career, personal passion, and perseverance in golf, culminating in her historic win at Pebble Beach.

Her early life was marked by a strong junior golf career, reaching the final of the US Girls’ Junior Championship in 2000, and playing collegiate golf at Northwestern University from 2001 to 2005.

Her victory qualifies her for the 2026 U.S. Women's Open and the 2026 U.S. Women's Amateur, with an extra qualification for the 2027 U.S. Women's Amateur, cementing her status as a top competitor.

After college, she pursued a career in finance across major cities worldwide, which led to a long hiatus from golf, ending her competitive chapter at age 22.

Ina Kim-Schaad, a 42-year-old golfer, secured her second US Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship at Monterey Peninsula Country Club in 2025, marking the longest event in its history.

Her victory not only added to her legacy as a former champion in 2019 but also made her the fourth-oldest winner and the first two-time champion since 2016, highlighting her sustained excellence.

Kim-Schaad’s win was emotionally significant, achieved with a crucial 18-foot birdie putt on the 23rd hole, and celebrated with her family and her husband Ian-Schaad, who caddied for her.

Her return to golf was inspired by her husband Ian-Schaad, an avid golfer, who encouraged her to play for fun during their travels, reigniting her passion for the game.

Kim-Schaad has maintained consistent performance, qualifying for match play in most of her Mid-Amateur appearances, and earned spots in the 2026 US Women’s Open and the 2026 US Women’s Amateur, with an additional qualification for the 2027 US Women’s Amateur.

The championship match was the longest in the event’s history, featuring intense play and dramatic moments, including her approach that flew the green and her third shot from a cart path, demonstrating resilience.

The final included a series of par scores through the first four playoff holes before Kim-Schaad secured victory on the fifth, showcasing her ability to perform under pressure.