Grace Kim and the Weight of Greatness: Living in Scottie Scheffler’s Shadow with Purpose… See more…
By Global Golf Report | July 29, 2025
As the spotlight intensifies ahead of the 2025 AIG Women’s British Open, one rising star is handling the heat with poise, humility, and quiet confidence: Grace Kim, Australia’s newest major champion. Fresh off her emotional victory at the Evian Championship, Kim is now preparing for her next big test at Royal Porthcawl, where she’s being hailed not just as a contender—but as a symbol of golf’s future.
And while many young champions might wilt under expectations, Kim has taken a surprising approach: channeling the mindset of world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, a player she openly admires and even models aspects of her game—and life—after.
The Breakthrough at Evian
Grace Kim’s win at the 2025 Evian Championship was more than just a maiden major. It was a career-shifting moment for the 24-year-old Sydney native. Battling nerves and fierce competition, she closed with a composed 67 to edge past defending champion Minjee Lee by two strokes.
Her victory resonated globally—not only because of her age or skill, but because of how she carried herself throughout the event. Calm. Focused. Grateful.
“I wasn’t trying to prove anything,” Kim said in her post-round press conference. “I just told myself to be present, trust my work, and enjoy the moment.”
That perspective—and the maturity behind it—has drawn comparisons to Scottie Scheffler, the dominant force in men’s golf and a three-time major winner in 2025.
Walking in Scheffler’s Footsteps
During a recent interview with The Australian, Kim acknowledged those parallels and revealed that she’s been deeply influenced by Scheffler’s attitude.
“I read an article where Scottie said, ‘Golf isn’t who I am. It’s just something I do.’ That stuck with me,” Kim said. “It reminded me that no matter how much success or failure comes my way, my value doesn’t change.”
Scheffler, who currently sits comfortably atop the men’s world rankings, is known for his grounded personality, faith, and calm under pressure. Kim has adopted similar strategies in dealing with rising media attention, fan expectations, and the temptations of early stardom.
“I think Scottie’s approach helps young players like me avoid burnout,” she added. “It’s easy to get caught up in noise. His mindset helps me stay balanced.”
A Humble Star in the Making
Though Kim now holds a major title and multiple top-10 finishes this season, she remains remarkably humble. In the days following her Evian win, she turned down several high-paying endorsement shoots in favor of resting, practicing, and spending time with her family.
“I love the game, but I love who I am outside it even more,” she said.
This has earned her admiration among fellow LPGA players, including veterans like Lydia Ko and Brooke Henderson.
“Grace is the real deal,” Ko said. “Not just on the course—but off it too. She’s focused, respectful, and incredibly self-aware for her age.”
Even golf analysts are beginning to shift their expectations.
“She’s not a one-hit wonder,” said NBC Golf analyst Karen Stupples. “Grace Kim has the poise of a champion and the patience of someone who understands that golf is a marathon, not a sprint.”
British Open Expectations
Now all eyes turn to Royal Porthcawl, the Welsh links course hosting this year’s AIG Women’s British Open. With unpredictable weather and swirling winds, it’s one of the toughest venues on the LPGA calendar.
Despite being a first-time winner at a major, Kim isn’t entering the week as an underdog. Oddsmakers now rank her among the top five favorites, alongside names like Nelly Korda, Celine Boutier, and Jin Young Ko.
Yet Kim isn’t getting caught up in the hype.
“My game’s in a good place, but anything can happen on a links course,” she said. “If I control what I can—my attitude, my strategy, my energy—I’ll be happy with whatever result comes.”
Her preparation has included working with a mental coach and revisiting some of Scheffler’s press interviews to “recenter herself,” as she put it.
“I want to be the kind of champion that’s known not just for winning, but for how I carry myself when I lose.”
An Inspiration for Young Golfers
Back home in Australia, Kim’s rise is being celebrated as a new chapter in the country’s golfing history. With icons like Karrie Webb and Adam Scott paving the way, Kim is now becoming a role model for the next generation.
She recently spoke at a junior golf event in Melbourne, where she emphasized the importance of balance and mindset.
“Winning is great,” she told the kids. “But character lasts longer than trophies.”
That kind of message, in an era of highlight reels and social media fame, is what makes Kim special.
“She’s part of a new generation that doesn’t just want to play the game—they want to reshape how it’s played and viewed,” said Golf Australia CEO James Sutherland.
The Road Ahead
Regardless of what happens at the British Open this week, Grace Kim’s star is rising—and it’s doing so with quiet strength. She has found her voice, her rhythm, and her identity in a sport that can often blur the lines between success and self-worth.
And as she continues her journey, she carries with her the calm wisdom of a world No. 1 she’s never met, but who’s left an undeniable imprint on her mindset.
“I may never be Scottie Scheffler,” Kim said with a smile. “But I can learn from him. And if that helps me play better and live better, then that’s all I need.”
Tags: Grace Kim, AIG Women’s British Open, LPGA 2025, Scottie Scheffler, Women’s Golf, Mental Health in Sports, Golf Mindset, Evian Championship Winner
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