When the trophy is hoisted next year and in the many years ahead, those who come after her will read Kim Moore’s name. Kim is not just the outstanding head coach of the women’s golf team here at WMU; she’s a history maker.
In July 2022, she won the inaugural U.S. Adaptive Open at the legendary No. 6 Golf Course at Pinehurst.
Kim led from start to finish, ending each round at the top of the leaderboard. She opened the tournament shooting a 76, followed up by an 80 and a final round of 76 for a 54-hole total of 232 (+16). She finished eight shots ahead of her closest competitor.
"I felt like I played pretty consistent, specially today," Kim said in her post-match press conference. "I knew, going in, that if I kept getting pars I'd be tough to beat. I knew birdies are kind of hard to get out here sometimes. That was my strategy, to keep it in the fairway, hit some greens in regulation and get pars."
She nailed her strategy, parring 38 times during the tournament.
The United States Golf Association established the U.S. Adaptive Open as a new national championship to showcase the world's best golfers with disabilities. The creation of the tournament followed through from a pledge by the USGA in 2017 to establish a championship for the adaptive golf community.
Kim was born without a right foot and a slight case of spina bifida. "I think what has been seen this week, around the world and around the country, is going to elevate the amputee community and the adaptive community," she said. "I think we are going to have a rise in participation, I hope that's what this brings and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens. "
"It's been pretty amazing, exciting, humbling," Kim said of her victory. "Gratitude is another word that comes to mind. It's pretty cool to be a part of history in golf.”
Stay in the know on everything Bronco Athletics at wmubroncos.com. Want to help ensure the success of our student-athletes in the game and in the classroom? Visit athletics.wmualumni.org to make your gift today!