01:00 AM EDT on Wednesday, June 28, 2006

Christina Kim already has had one memorable moment at Newport Country Club. She hopes to have even more in the next few days.

Kim, one of the many rising stars on the LPGA Tour, was among the players who made an early trip (two weeks ago) to Newport to get some practice time. Her practice included acing the 158-yard fifth hole with an eight iron.

That's the hole with the redan-style green that is one of the toughest to putt on the course. Kim obviously would love to be able to use the hole-in-one in the tournament. But she likely will find other ways to enjoy herself. She almost always does.

The 22-year-old Californian quickly has become one of the most visible and popular players on tour because of her work both on and off the course.

She has proven she can win. She already has won twice, the Longs Drug Challenge in 2004 and The Mitchell Company Tournament of Champions closing out last season. She has been in the top 20 on the money list each of the last two seasons.

The reasons for her popularity, though, go beyond her playing ability. Kim brings pizzazz wherever she goes, an outgoing, upbeat personality that is impossible to miss.

"I am the party," she said. "I take a slightly different approach than most quote unquote 'regular' golfers. In every aspect in life I try and enjoy myself and live it to the fullest. Life's too short not to enjoy it to the fullest extent.

"Doesn't it make sense?" she went on, her enthusiasm building as she spoke. "I can focus and still enjoy myself. I don't like the idea of being someone you're not. I took a lot of drama classes when I was in high school and junior high. I figure, why change who I am? I was able to see what it would be like if I was a demure person, if I was quiet. That's not me. I don't do that.

"When it comes to golf, normally your first instinct is the right one and it's the same way with life. I try and live life through my gut as opposed to through my brain," she said.

"I play well when I'm enjoying myself and I enjoy myself when I play well. I smile when I play well and I play well when I smile," she added. "There are girls who go out and they perform better with not necessarily a scowl, but just a more conservative demeanor. God love them. If that's how you play, that's how you play. I respect that. I can't fathom that. I respect them all the more, but I just don't roll that way."

-- PAUL KENYON