Mana Wahine Wednesday: Kaiser, USC alum and LPGA rookie Malia Nam

HONOLULU – Back where it all started. 

LPGA rookie Malia Nam is back in her home state for the 2024 LOTTE Championship in ‘Ewa Beach, one of the key events she remembers watching as she fell in love with the sport growing up. The Oahu-native is in the process of completing her first year on the professional circuit, turning in a pair of top-25 finishes and made the cut eight times so far in her brand-new pro career.  

Once a fan, Nam will compete this week at the event she used to take in from behind the ropes while going against some of those players she watched so closely growing up, such as two-time LOTTE champion Brooke Henderson. It has been a long journey for the 25-year-old golfer to get up to this point. 

After compiling an impressive high school resume on the course and in the classroom, Nam graduated from Kaiser High School in 2018 and turned in her blue and gold shirt for red and yellow as she headed to the University of Southern California to continue her athletic and academic career. 

Nam was a star from the start with the Trojans. Her collegiate debut was evidence, almost finishing with a top spot as she settled for second place after shooting 12-under par at the ANNIKA Intercollegiate. She continued the great performances through her first five outings, taking a top 12 spot in all five events to begin her time with USC. 

The rest of the season saw multiple moments that foreshadowed her future in the sport, seeing her just barely miss out on a spot in the U.S. Women’s Open as a true freshman but still represent the USA in the Arnold Palmer Cup that same year. After working through the COIVD-19 pandemic, Nam’s junior year ended with a USC win in the Pac-12 Championships with her turning in a tie for third place overall. 

She fought through hip surgery, being forced to redshirt the 2022 year that would have been her senior season with the Trojans. She rehabbed for eight months, coming back strong to begin her redshirt senior year ranked at 206 in the World Amateur Golf Rankings and graduated after finishing the season with the third best low round on the team. 

Nam spent 2023 continuing working towards her dreams, competing in the LPGA Qualifying Series and finishing tied for 23rd to earn membership to the LPGA for the 2024 season. With her foot in the door, she has gone back to work as she earned in eight different events in her first season. 

Before Nam took the course on Wednesday morning to tee off for the LOTTE Championship, the local standout acknowledged the meaning of getting to compete back home. 

“It’s definitely a full circle moment,” Nam said on Monday about playing back in her home state. “I remember growing up here, coming out to watch this event … it’s one of those moments that you think back to yourself like – wow I’m really here, actually playing in the event instead of watching it … I’m really looking forward to this weekend.” 

Malia Nam talks to the media during press availability on Monday. | Photo Credit: Andrew Lee, HSRN

Friends and family members were excited for Nam’s return to the islands as well. When asked by the media about ticket requests, she joked about hoping to not need so many that the LPGA could not fulfill the ask. 

Nam turned in a sound performance in her first round on Wednesday at Hoakalei Country Club, finishing the day tied with 12 others for 44th place after shooting one-under par. The 25-year-old ended up with a pair of birdies and bogeys along with an eagle on her final hole of the round. 

The second round of the LOTTE Championship at Hoakalei Country Club will roll on beginning Thursday while the final round is Saturday.  

Gallery Credit: Andrew Lee

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