Ina Kim-Schaad arrives fresh off one of the most dramatic finishes in USGA history - a 23-hole marathon at Monterey Peninsula that ended with an 18-foot birdie to capture the 2025 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship. The win not only made her a two-time Mid-Am champion, but cemented her place among the elite, becoming just the sixth player ever to claim multiple titles. From setting a women’s course record en route to winning the 2024 New York State Women’s Amateur, to earning the 2024 MGA Women’s Player of the Year honors, to representing the MGA in her fifth Carey Cup appearance, her last two seasons have been a showcase of resilience, poise, and world-class competitive instincts.

In this episode, Ina opens up about the mental discipline that carried her through the longest final in championship history, how turning 40 reshaped her approach to competition, and why diving deeper into the mental side of the game transformed both her joy and her performance. As a Fearless Golf Certified Mental Skills Instructor, she brings rare insight into how elite players think under pressure, reset after setbacks, and unlock competitive confidence. Whether you’re a devoted Met Area golfer or simply love stories of grit at the game’s highest amateur levels, this conversation delivers everything: strategy, vulnerability, and the mindset behind a champion who keeps finding new ways to elevate her game.

Follow The DROP for your weekly fix of Golfing in the Garden State.