The path less taken

My entire life as a golfer, I have endlessly imagined putts as if they were to win the U.S. Women’s Open. I watched players like Lydia Ko and Nelly Korda win majors, believing I would one day call myself a major champion.

I grew up as a multi-sport athlete, specializing in golf when I was 12. After a successful junior golf career, people had high expectations for me as I began my college career at Wake Forest University. I delivered, winning five collegiate titles, including the 2019 ACC Championship. That helped me earn a spot in the top 10 of the World Amateur Golf Ranking.

Along the way, I had the opportunity to play various professional events, such as the 2018 and 2020 U.S. Women’s Opens, the 2020 ANA Inspiration (now The Chevron Championship) and an Epson Tour event.

I got a taste of what life on tour would be like. But by the time I reached my senior year, I had to be honest with myself: professional golf was not for me.

This was a hard truth to swallow because I love to practice, travel and compete. However, I realized...