11 Sep 2019 | Golf Australia |
Kay takes professional plunge
by Golf Australia
Promising Queenslander Becky Kay has taken the professional plunge.
Kay, 20, this week advised the ALPG that she would join the pay-for-play ranks having successfully advanced to the second stage of the LPGA Tour's Q-school.
That result guarantees the Gold Coaster of at least Symetra Tour status for season 2020, with the prospect of higher honours if she can negotiate the second and then final qualification stages in October.
Kay said she was "super excited for this next chapter" of her golfing career to begin.
"I’ve had quite a successful amateur career and I’m super grateful for everyone who has helped me get this far, but I feel I’m ready to jump in the deep end," Kay said.
"I feel it's been a long time coming ... since the age of 13 I have been in Golf Australia and Queensland Academy of Sport programs and I've had so much support which has made these goals attainable.
"I've been very lucky to have had experiences in professional events with the help of both Golf Australia and the ALPG and I think the time is now right.
"I'd really like to thank everyone at Golf Australia and QAS for their support over the past seven or eight years.
"I see this as just the beginning."
Kay, a member at Coolangatta Tweed Heads, has enjoyed a very successful domestic amateur career, representing Australia 12 times and was undefeated in the preliminary rounds as part of the successful Queensland women's team at the 2016 Australian Interstate Series.
She also was awarded the Karrie Webb Series scholarship in each of the past three years, becoming the first woman to earn that prize three times.
"Representing Australia is a huge buzz, an absolute highlight. Each time I've done it, it's just as exciting as the last," Kay said.
"To get to meet Karrie is just unbelievable and I couldn't be more thankful."
ALPG chief executive Karen Lunn was delighted to accept Kay's nomination for membership.
"I have known Becky for a number of years now and she is the latest in a long line of incredibly talented and well credentialled young female players, including Minjee Lee, Su Oh and Hannah Green, to take the plunge into professional golf," Lunn said.
"Becky has shown through her performances in ALPG events over the past five years that she has the game to succeed, and many wise heads who have watched her progression feel that she has the talent and the X-factor required to succeed at the highest level.
"Everyone involved at ALPG will do everything we can to support Becky and her team through the transition."
Join our newsletter
Get weekly updates on news, golf tips and access to partner promotions.