Australian amateur golf has been hit by the departure of No.1 ranked female Shelly Shin to Korea.
Shin, 16, will leave next week with her family taking up an employment opportunity in her country of birth.
"I am truly sorry that I have to move out of Australia and that it has happened so suddenly (and) I am very sad to be leaving my friends,” Shin said.
“I thank Golf NSW and Golf Australia for all the support they have given me over the past years.
“Thank you to everyone who has supported and helped me develop with my golf and as a person.”
Golf Australia high performance director Brad James was saddened by Shin’s departure.
“We wish Shelly all the best in her future. She has represented Australia with distinction and we’re disappointed to see her leave our shores.”
Shin, who plays at Concord Golf Club in Sydney, arrived in Australia in July 2006 having just turned eight.
She first attracted national attention as a 13-year-old with impressive performances in New South Wales.
She went on to become a member of the Golf Australia national squad and was part of the national team, alongside Minjee Lee and Su Oh, that won the World Amateur Team Championship last year.
Shin had a string of impressive results in the past 15 months, most notably winning the Australian Amateur Championship at The Australian this year.
She is currently No.9 in the world amateur rankings.