Ina Kim-Schaad, a 42-year-old golfer from Jupiter, Florida, made history on Sunday by winning her second U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur title at Monterey Peninsula Country Club’s Dunes Course. This victory again places her in the spotlight as the first two-time champion since Julia Potter-Bobb in 2016. To give perspective, it locks her in as the fourth-oldest winner in the tournament’s illustrious history. This is not Kim-Schaad’s first time claiming the championship title, having first won it back in 2019, highlighting her continued excellence and competitive fire.
Her championship match against Henley Long, a 28-year-old from Clarksville, Tennessee, unfolded as the longest in U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur history. After four playoff holes where both players parred, Kim-Schaad clinched the win with an impressive 18-foot birdie putt on the fifth extra hole. The prior mark for longest match ever in a U.S. Women’s Amateur was 22 holes, set back in 1989.
“It was an absolute battle out there the entire day,” Long remarked, highlighting the intensity of their competition.
Throughout the tournament, Kim-Schaad showcased exceptional talent, which not only earned her the title but secured her spots in several prestigious upcoming events. She will compete in the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open at Riviera Country Club and has qualified for the 2026 and 2027 U.S. Women’s Amateur tournaments.
Kim-Schaad expressed deep emotion following her win, stating, “I’m overwhelmed with emotion, honestly. I truly love this place, and my husband and I got married in Carmel. To do it at such a special place, golf course, with my family here and my husband on the bag, his birthday week, and for a second time, it’s like there’s not even enough language to put around just all the feels that I’m feeling.”
The U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship is open to players age 25 and older. In order to qualify, they need to have a Handicap Index of 9.4 or below. Kim-Schaad was an incredible presence during the entire event. Her talent and determination came alive as she battled the overwhelming foe, Long.
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