It was always going to be a matter of when not if, Steph Kyriacou turned professional and joined the Ladies European Tour after her win in last weekend’s Geoff King Motors Australian Ladies Classic.
And as a child of the new millennium, she has done it in their typical way – via Instagram, of course.
Kyriacou posted the announcement ahead of the Worrell’s’ Women’s New South Wales Open which begins on Thursday at Dubbo Golf Club.
The 19-year-old from St. Michael’s Golf Club in Sydney earned a two-year exemption on the LET with her stunning victory on Sunday, when she blitzed the field winning by eight strokes.
“So much has happened in the last 48 hours and I’m so happy to announce I’m turning professional and joining the @LETgolf tour for 2020!!
“My amateur days have been successful, and I can’t wait to carry it on into my professional career.
“Huge thanks to everyone who has supported me, I wouldn’t be where I am without you guys.
“Can’t wait to make my debut this week at the women’s NSW Open!
Indeed it has been a crazy 48 hours for the 19-year-old. Messages of congratulations, missed phone calls, emails from people she doesn’t know, the whole box and dice.
“It’s been very, very crazy,” She said. “Everything has happened so quickly.”
The shout outs from some of the greats of the game have left her in awe as well.
“Karrie Webb sent me a personal message after the win, so cool!!,’ she beamed.
Kyriacou acknowledged the decision to enter the pay for play ranks was going to be relatively easy.
“It wasn’t a hard decision to make.
“I did weigh up all the options, but I was hoping to turn pro at the end of the year anyway, and this has opened up a few more doors and moved the goalposts a little bit.”
In addition to the LET exemption, her first appearance in a Major is also assured.
“I’m excited about getting a start in the Evian Championship, which is a major. That will be huge.”
Earlier today, Kyriacou had her first look at Dubbo Golf Club, where she will have the chance to earn a second consecutive title this week.
Despite the ravages of the drought, some good recent ran has meant the course has come up nicely.
“We’re on home soil again, so hopefully I can finish in the top ten. Another win would be good, but I do not have any high expectations after last week.”
When asked about whether she would have any first tee nerves on Thursday, she said: “I’m obviously going to be a bit nervous as a rookie, but I’ve got mum and dad here, so I think I’ll be okay.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me throughout my amateur career and helped to get me to where I am today, especially Golf New South Wales, St. Michael’s Golf Club, Golf Australia and all my family and friends.”