A little over 200 miles from Copper Rock Golf Course—host venue of the Copper Rock Championship—is Laughlin Ranch. Situated in Bullhead City, Arizona, it has become home for Min-G Kim.
In 2020, Kim first moved to the area. Her relationship with Laughlin Ranch started small.
“They were going through a lot of changes with ownership. I talked to the head pro at the time, and he was like, ‘We need to have you over,’ and it led to me hosting clinics for juniors and women,” said Kim, a six-year Epson Tour veteran. “I ended up practicing there a lot because it’s a really great golf course.”
But after a tie for eighth at the 2021 Volunteers of America Classic on the LPGA Tour, the support for Kim from Laughlin Ranch reached a new level.
“They also provided a couple golf bags to use on Tour last season, so I reached out to thank them for all their hospitality and allowing me to practice. Then during the LPGA event in Texas, I asked, ‘Do you want me to put your logo on my bag?’ They loved the idea,” Kim said. “I played really well and when I got back into town, the general manager asked, ‘Our club wants to sponsor you. What do you think about that?’ I immediately said yes. I practice there, but Laughlin Ranch is so much more than my home course.”
Just last month, Kim signed a deal with Laughlin Ranch as an official sponsor for the 2022 season. She reps their logo and spreads the good word about their brand everywhere she goes. And her connection to the membership is second to none.
“They are very open to renewing our deal. The general manager and owner both told me, ‘Hey, we want to see you succeed.’ It’s so touching,” Kim said. “Some members even put money in a hat and paid for my first entry fee this year before the sponsorship was fully arranged.”
Kim was born in Daejeon, South Korea—also home to the great Se Ri Pak—but was raised in the Philippines through elementary school. Her family then moved back to Cheongju where she spent middle and high school years. With the support and investment from Laughlin Ranch, its members and community, the sky is the limit for Kim’s future.
“Most international players have sponsors from the community in our native country. It’s really rare to find such a great sponsor out here on a qualifying tour. I’m really grateful for Laughlin Ranch,” said Kim. “I’ve been very involved with ladies’ clinics, men’s club and junior clinics, so it has been amazing. The ladies in my clinics even wrote me letters.
“I can’t wait to grow in my career with Laughlin Ranch and have so much to be thankful for because they took a chance on me.”
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