Playing in a major is a dream of every burgeoning golfer.
And this week’s Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific in Japan can make that dream a reality.
The winner, to be crowned on Sunday afternoon, will earn invitations to play in two major championships – the Women’s British Open and The Evian Championship.
And don’t forget a spot in the ground-breaking Augusta National Women’s Amateur in 2020.
But first, there is 72-holes of golf standing between that dream becoming reality.
Two Australian representatives, Grace Kim and Becky Kay, already know what it feels like to be inside the ropes at a major without actually playing, courtesy of the Karrie Webb Scholarship.
The pair fronted the media at the Royal Golf Club today as two of the six Aussie stars of this week’s championship and spoke of the potentially “life changing” week ahead of them.
“To win the Karrie Webb Scholarship is just unbelievable and the experience I’ve got from the last two years (third time recipient) has been life changing,” Kay beamed.
“Grace and I were lucky enough to go to the KPMG last year, and myself the U.S. Openthe year before.
“The atmosphere and the experience of just being there and hoping one day I’m going to be there myself is really cool.”
Kim, who heads into the week as highest ranked Australian at World No. 69, says the championship holds a lot of merit within her playing schedule.
“This is one of my tournaments that I would not miss and being able to represent Australia again is always an honour,” the 19-year-old said.
“Last year was really good so I’m excited to for the week.”
With 19 countries and 17 players inside the top-100 represented within the 80-woman field, the duo insist they are ready to take on Asia’s best.
“We have played a few events on the Australian circuit, a few other Asia Pacific championships that we do get to compete against these girls quite a bit, and the competition that we have is so strong,” Kim said.
“But I am sure like the girls, we know what we're capable of and you can see the intention…
“The Aussie team are very competitive and have a good chance this time.”
No matter the result, Kay insists the comradery and support among the Australian team is second to none.
“I feel like we have a really good friendship with everyone on our team,” said the Coolangatta Tweed Heads member.
“We play a lot with each other, so we don't really get sick of each other.”
Kim added, “seeing each other every week, whether it's training or tournaments, it's good fun every week.”
Live coverage of the 2019 Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship starts on Thursday at 12pm on Fox Sports Australia.
Tee Times (GMT+9):
9:40 – 1st – Maddison Hinson-Tolchard
9:50 – 10th – Becky Kay
10:00 – 1st – Grace Kim
10:00 – 10th – Doey Choi
10:20 – 10th – Steph Kyriacou
10:30 – 1st – Julienne Soo