STORMO FOLLOWS HER DEBUT TOP-10

Rookie season is now fully underway for Karoline Stormo (Tvedestrand, Norway) as she enters her second tournament on the “Road to the LPGA.” Stormo claimed a tie for six finish at her professional debut a few weeks ago at the Four Winds Invitational in South Bend, IN.

“It felt really good getting a top-10 finish in my first professional event. I was super excited to play but also kind of nervous going into the first round just with how different it is to travel and compete on your own without the normal team atmosphere we had in college,” said Stormo. “I felt more comfortable the last two days of that tournament and my game was in a good place. Shooting 6-under par the last two rounds was a good way to end the tournament.”

Prior to turning professional this spring, Stormo competed for Kent State University where she was named MAC Golfer of the year and First Team All-MAC Conference. Not only did she claim individual title, but she made history with the program as her team secured it’s twenty-first consecutive Mid-American Conference Women’s Golf Championship.

“I knew it was going to be hard to get in the lineup when I joined the team, but I think that just pushed me harder,” said Stormo. “Going from a small golf environment in Norway to actually being part of a team and have them push me very day helped my game a lot. I was able to really learn more about my game with breaking it down with different coaches and other tools I didn’t have before.”

“I feel more prepared now going into this week’s tournament,” said Stormo, on the IOA Golf Classic presented by Homevalue.com. “I have a better idea about what awaits and how things are being done. Also, learning to travel alone and do all the preparations by myself. I’m excited to play again this week and hoping to build on the momentum from last tournament.”

KIM SECURED WAPT EXEMPTION FOR LONGWOOD

For a second consecutive year, the Epson Tour and Women’s All-Pro Tour (WAPT) have partnered together to give WAPT winners exemption into select Epson Tour events. The IOA Golf Classic presented by Homevalue.com joins in the 2020 partnership.

Last week, Karen Kim (Carollton, TX) finished fourth at 2-under par overall in the Babe Zaharias Open on the WAPT. It may not have been low enough to win, but finishing behind Epson Tour members Julie Aime (Nice, France), Kendra Dalton (Poughquag, NY) and Maddie McCrary (Wylie, TX) she secured an exemption spot for the field at Alaqua Country Club.

“When I was told that I had a possibility of getting the exemption, my friend Amanda Gartwell and I got super excited,” said Kim. “I honestly do want to say that I did try my best all the way and do not have one regret. I was a Epson Tour member in 2019, but I had to take a break from injury but unfortunately I did not receive the doctor's letter in time”

Kim earned status on the LPGA of Korea Tour in October 2017 and competed on the KLPGA during the 2018 season. The following year, she finished T79 at Stage II of the 2018 LPGA Qualifying Tournament to earn Category I membership for the 2019 Epson Tour campaign. Last season she claimed a career-best tied for 48^that the SKYiGOLF Championship.

“I was suffering through financial and many emotional things, but I couldn't believe that God would give me another chance,” said Kim. “Through this past week at Beaumont Country Club, I learned that I am a natural player. Meaning I know how to play, and I am ready, I always was. This week at the Alaqua Country Club I want to enjoy myself with my coach, showing and playing the best I can because I know I can do it.”

IOA Golf Classic Thursday Pre-Tournament Notes

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