It’s written on the walls in my bedroom, the notebooks in my backpack, reminders on my phone, but most importantly, it’s written all over my heart. The dream to be on the LPGA tour.
My story has already been written for my junior and amateur career. Now it is time to turn the page and write the story that I have been visualizing since I first picked up the game when I was 9. It is time to turn pro.
“The Ten Most Important Things About Me” that I wrote in 6th grade. In it I list my dream of the LPGA and the Solheim Cup. Yes… I used to be a Duke fan 🙁 I eventually figured out the better blue!
This year has been crazy. I think we can all agree it’s been a roller coaster. We’ve all had moments of great anxiety, just like when the roller coaster climbs to its peak. Then we’ve had the moments where our stomach flips from either thrill or sadness. And if you’re lucky like me, you have had at least one moment that resembles the feeling of flying down the roller coaster with your hands up in pure joy.
That moment came for me at the ShopRite LPGA Classic. If you read my blog, Seaview in Review, you can probably hear the passion, determination and inspiration I had coming off that week.
I was fortunate to play with many of my role models, and I never felt more at ease in such an intense environment. Golf is a game that demands little to no doubt to be the best. Walking on the fairways at the Seaview that week, I never had such little doubt that I want to be out there week in and week out no matter what it takes.
Now back to the craziness of the year. If you told me this time last year I’d be just finishing college in December, I would have laughed that something went terribly wrong with my studies. I would have told you I’d be playing professional golf on my way to the LPGA tour. After the LPGA canceled Q School and announced that they would award only five tour cards in 2020, I decided to return to UNC for a fifth year due to the change in NCAA rules from COVID-19.
Then, our fall season was canceled, classes remained online, we were limited on team training and the spring season is hanging in the balance. I was on the uphill part of that roller coaster sitting in great anticipation.
Midway through the semester I had that special week down at the shore in the ShopRite LPGA Classic. Shortly after that tournament, I had conversations with my family and team about the decision to turn pro. These were the moments on the ride when my stomach began flipping upside down.
With the LPGA Tour and Symetra tour returning to more normalcy in the new year, I have decided to turn professional in January and dedicate myself to my quest to the LPGA Tour.
The sticky note I wrote with my health and P.E. teacher my freshman year of high school. It still sits above my desk in my room as a reminder every day what I am working for.
This is step one in a journey that will be sketched out by many ups and downs. While I’ll be the one who swings the club, flops the chip shots and rolls the putts, I will in no way be the only one feeling great pride from a victory or sorrow from defeat. I have a heart full of gratitude for my team, family and friends who have helped get me this far and will walk by my side on the long fairway ahead.
To my Carolina family, thank you for four (and a half) years of memories, lessons and friendships that I’ll carry with me the rest of my life. I will always be a Tar Heel.
So here’s to a blank new page. Whether it is with my club or this pen, I could not be more excited to write the new story that lies ahead.
I will be sure to share the lessons I learn along the way and continue to walk through the journey together. After all, we’ve made it through 2020 together and will enter 2021 with hopes of a much better year! I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!