WA’s very own Kirsten “Curly” Rudgeley will embark on her first tournament as a professional golfer this week in the ISPS Handa Australian Open in Victoria – and we could’t be prouder. What a pleasure it has been to watch the growth and development of this resilient, strong and confident young lady through many years of successful amateur golf rise to meet her dream of becoming a professional player.
“I am happy that I am embarking on my professional step now and that I have waited – I feel ready. The last eighteen months have been amazing and I have been very proud of my amateur wins, ” shared Kirsten just before jumping on another flight this week.
Kirsten has a lengthy and exciting amateur bio right from her early junior days onto winning the 2021 English and Scottish Amateur championship. Curly has two Karrie Webb Scholarships in the bag, and tied for 8th at the Augusta Women’s Amateur this year, the first Australian to do so.
“Augusta was just awesome – everything was a VIP experience and super professional. I am so thrilled to have had this opportunity.”
Kirsten’s incredibly solid and consistent performance in her amateur career will provide this WA superstar an ideal springboard for professional success. This week Kirsten will tee it up at the 2022 Australian Open, alongside fellow top ranked West Aussies Hannah Green and Minjee Lee.
“I am very grateful for the support I have had to get me to this point. My parents and family have been amazing and this has not been a short journey! I am well aware it has taken the time, money and care of many people to get me to this point. My sponsor Callaway have been exceptional, and Joe O’Dea has assisted me significantly through the years. I have a coach that has always believed in me, and club communities at my home club Mount Lawley and Wanneroo that have offered me years of encouragement and support. I am grateful to Golf WA and Golf Australia for offering me so many playing opportunities through the years – it is this experience that has given me the solid grounding to get here.”
In true Curly style, “I just like to keep things simple. I’m not going to think about this week and my professional debut any differently. I just want to get out there and play my best. It will just be so cool to be a part of it!”
Our eyes will be on you Kirsten – we can’t wait to see you enjoy and succeed in this career you have worked so hard to prepare for. Your big personality, laugh and talent will be missed in the amateur ranks of WA but we are all so proud of you moving onto the next step.
The ISPS Handa Australian Open will run this week from 1-4 December at the Victoria Golf Club and Kingston Heath Golf Club. The tournament will be televised LIVE on FOX and Channel 9.
