Ina Kim-Schaad Crowned Champion in an Epic Duel at the U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur
PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. – Ina Kim-Schaad defeated Hanley Long in the longest championship in the history of the U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur, securing the victory with an impressive 18-foot birdie putt on the fifth extra hole at the Dunes Course of Monterey Peninsula Country Club. Kim-Schaad, 42, originally from Jupiter, Florida, added her second title, as she also won in 2019. She is the fourth oldest winner in the history of the event and the first two-time champion since Julia Potter-Bobb in 2016. This tournament is reserved for players aged 25 or older with a Handicap Index not exceeding 9.4.Long, 28, from Clarksville, Tennessee, tied the match with a par on the 17th hole, a par 4, after Kim-Schaad’s approach overshot the green, forcing her to play her third shot from a cart path. Both players bogeyed the 18th hole, a par 4, which sent the match to extra holes. After tying the first four playoff holes, Long holed an 18-foot putt on the second extra hole.I am overwhelmed with emotion, honestly. I really love this place, and my husband and I got married in Carmel. To achieve this in such a special place, on a golf course, with my family here and my husband as a caddie, on his birthday week, and for the second time, it’s like there are no words to express all the feelings I have.
Ina Kim-Schaad
It was an absolute battle all day. Honestly, I am so proud of my courage and determination throughout the day, keeping my head up and never giving up.
Hanley Long
Both finalists earned a spot in the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open at Riviera Country Club and the 2026 U.S. Women’s Amateur. Kim-Schaad also secured her participation in the 2027 U.S. Women’s Amateur.
The longest previous match in the history of the tournament was 22 holes, in 1989, when Robin Weiss defeated Page Marsh Lea.
