Katherine Kirk is an Australian professional golfer who has played on the LPGA Tour since 2006. She was born on December 27, 1981, in Mackay, Queensland, Australia.
Career highlights
- LPGA Tour wins: 2 (Shoprite LPGA Classic 2017, Thornberry Creek LPGA Classic 2018)
- Ladies European Tour wins: 1
- Turned pro: 2003
- LPGA Tour card: earned at 2005 qualifying school
- Best major finish: top-20 at the ANA Inspiration
Early career
Kirk grew up in Mackay, a small city on Queensland's coast. She represented Australia as an amateur in international team events before turning professional in 2003. She played on the Ladies European Tour and Australian LPGA before earning her LPGA Tour card.
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LPGA Tour career
Kirk joined the LPGA Tour full-time in 2006. Her first 11 years on Tour were consistent but winless, with numerous top-10 finishes. She earned enough to maintain her card every season but the breakthrough win didn't come until 2017.
In June 2017, Kirk won the Shoprite LPGA Classic in New Jersey. She shot a final-round 64 to come from behind. The win came in her 12th year on Tour, making it one of the longest waits for a first LPGA victory.
Her second win came the following year at the Thornberry Creek LPGA Classic in Wisconsin, where she set the tournament scoring record at the time.
Playing style
Kirk is known for accuracy rather than distance. She's consistently been one of the straightest drivers on the LPGA Tour, ranking in the top 20 for driving accuracy in multiple seasons. Her strengths are course management and wedge play.
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Personal
Kirk is married and has a son. She's based in the United States during the LPGA season and returns to Australia during the off-season.
For more on golf, see our beginner's guide and golf in the Olympics.
