Kang tops good friend Na at Women’s Am

Danielle Kang, right, after defeating Grace Na in the Round of 64 at the U.S. Women's Amateur.

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Danielle Kang and Grace Na walked off the 17th green hand in hand. Kang said they’re more sisters than friends.

Photo by Tracy Wilcox

Danielle Kang, left, and Grace Na after their Round of 64 match at the U.S. Women's Amateur.

After all, only a sister could get away with saying this in the post-round interview. Na to Kang: “I’ve never seen you hit the ball so bad on a couple holes.”

Kang agreed, although she ended up winning, 2 and 1. On the first hole, Kang said no matter what happened, they were going to a movie after the round.

These two friends could be teammates in January at Pepperdine, if all goes according to plan. Like Kang before her, Na plans to graduate one semester early and begin her college career in January.

“If my high school supports me with that,” Na said.

Kang finished 19th in the Golfweek/Sagarin College Rankings after only one semester. She lives 15 minutes away from the Malibu campus and enjoys being near her swing coach in a familiar environment.

“It’s the closest school I could find, except the community college,” she said.