LPGA rookie Hannah Yun Hits ISPS Handa with High Hopes

Is it just me or does it seem like forever since we’ve watched the ladies tee it up on the LPGA?

Three months off the radar is much too long IMHO, so I’m excited that finally we’ll see the ladies in action at the 2012 ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open at the Royal Melbourne Golf Club, February 6-12.

It’s a formidable venue (remember it hosted the Presidents Cup in 2011) boasting a  world class field including  Rolex Player of the Year, Yani Tseng, 38-time champion, Karrie Webb, the unstoppable Susann Pettersen with 8 titles to her name, including 2 in 2011; and let’s not forget the Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year, Hee Kyung Seo.

And while all of those accomplished women will capture the attention of golf fans everywhere, my sights will be on a teenager entering her rookie year on the LPGA tour with a resume many seasoned players would envy — 19 year old, Hannah Yun.

One of 140 talented women (many previous LPGA players) battling for the coveted top 20 at Q-school, Hannah, in her first attempt, tied for 15th place and earned her full 2012 LPGA card in the fall of 2011.

It was an amazing feat for someone so young, but Hannah isn’t unfamiliar with accomplishments and accolades.  At just 15 years of age, Hannah:

• Graduated high school with high honors
• Was her high school’s MVP after winning the Florida High School State Championship
• Received a full scholarship to the University of Florida in 2007.
• Was the youngest student in the history of the NCAA to compete in college events
• Was named the MVP of the Florida women’s team
• Was selected as an NCAA, SEC, and Golfweek first-team All-American
• Won IMG/Leadbetter Golf Academy MVP and Player of the Year

In 2009, at the age of 17 Hannah was the youngest golfer to ever play as a touring pro in the US.

When I heard about Hannah from Dave Andrews, author of the delightful novel, Pops and Sunshine, I knew I had to find out more about her.   Listen in and discover what makes this young phenom tick…

Quite the young lady don’t you think?

No wonder Dave Andrews (who graciously sent me pictures of Hannah for this post) wrote this after her Q-school success, “I was thrilled for her and happy to have helped in a small way. Trust me, however, Hannah didn’t need my help. She is as good a player as most of the players currently on the LPGA tour. She is going to do very well in her rookie season on the tour, and at the young age of 19 has a brilliant career to look forward to. She is also one of the nicest, most humble and modest young women I have ever had the chance to meet.”

Best of luck Hannah! I’ll be cheering you on throughout 2012 and for many years to come.

Golfgal