Junior David Kim concluded a masterful 2016-2017 campaign on Wednesday with a 20th place finish at the NCAA Regional held on the Stanford Golf Course.
Competing individually, Kim concluded the final round with a 5-over 75 for a 54-hole total of 2-over 212.
Kim opened the first round strong on Monday, shooting a three-under 67, which was enough to tie for third by the end of the day. The following day, Kim went for an even-par 70 and dropped just a few places for eighth on the leaderboard.
Kim was one of 10 individuals among 13 teams selected to compete at the qualifier in Stanford, one of six regionals that took place across the nation from May 15-17th.
Oklahoma’s sophomore Brad Dalke won the individual title with a total 12-under 198. Dalke successfully fended off Stanford senior Maverick McNealy who trailed with a nine-under 201. Dalke and McNealy were air tight in the opening round as both tied for first with a five-under 65, but Dalke created some separation the following day, shooting a six-under 64 to become the definitive leader at 11-under 129.
The five teams garnering the lowest scores in Stanford, Baylor, Pepperdine, Oklahoma, and North Carolina along with the lowest unaffiliated individual are headed to Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, Illinois for the NCAA Championships, a six-day course that will commence on Friday, May 26th.
Kim was named the 2017 Big West Player of the Year, the first athlete competing in men’s golf to do so since UCI alum John Chin earned his third back in 2010 after winning back to back honors in 2008 and 2009.
Kim was also one of two ‘Eaters, along with senior Brian Shin, this season to receive an All-Big West Conference nod.
In what would be considered his best year as an ‘Eater thus far, the Fullerton native averaged 71.28 in 12 tournaments this season. He also registered eight top-10 finishes and now has 12 top-10 showings in his collegiate career.
Back in October, Kim was named the Big West Golfer of the month after placing fifth in the Nick Watney Invitational (two-under 211) for the ‘Eaters season opener at Fresno’s San Joaquin Country Club and third (nine-under 207) in the Cullum Invitational at Simi Valley’s Wood Ranch Golf Club.
Kim’s year was highlighted in the Cal Poly Shootout at Cyprus Ridge Golf Course held from April 17-18th. At the two-day event, he took home medalist honors after posting a tournament total eight-under 208. During the second round, Kim hit an impressive seven-under 65. By the end of the final day, he had led all participants in par-3 scoring with a 3-under and with 16 tournament birdies, he was tied for first within the respective category.