For Jimin Kang, two years of golf at ASU was enough.
Kang, a 2002 All-American and the winner of the year's individual Pac-10 title, announced last week that she would forgoe her final two years of eligibility to join the LPGA tour.
"This is a decision I have been thinking about for a long time, since my freshman year," Kang said. "When I came to Arizona State, I knew that I had a lot of things to learn as a person, in the classroom and on the golf course, but now I think I am ready.
"I think it's the right time for me to explore my opportunities in professional golf."
Former ASU coach Linda Vollstedt, who recruited Kang out of Kings High School in Edmunds, Wash., two years ago, said she foresaw the LPGA in Jang's future.
"I knew when I recruited Jimin that she was a professional-caliber athlete who could very well be our next LPGA star," Vollstedt said. "I think she is ready for the professional tour."
Kang will waste no time in pursuing her dream. She travels next week to the Prairie Dunes Country Club in Hutchinson, Kan., for the U.S. Women's Open July 4-7.
Kang, who made the National Golf Coaches Association honorable mention All-American list her freshman year before being named to the first team this season, leaves behind a collegiate career many would be happy to continue.
The 22-year-old was a two-time All-Pac-10 honoree and was the runner-up at the 1999 U.S. Women's Amateur Championship.
Kang finished in the top 10 in 13 of the events she competed in while at Arizona State.
Reach the reporter at al.stevens@asu.edu.
