Ever since I started to take the game seriously, I wanted to be a professional golfer. Junior golf, amateur golf, professional golf: that was the path I wanted to be on.

Today, I can proudly say that after just one year on The Epson Tour, I earned my LPGA Tour card, turning that dream into reality.

I have many people to thank, but I have to start with my father. He has been with me since day one, through the good and the bad.

Girl dad

My first memories of playing golf weren't the best. In fact, tagging along with my dad, I didn't really like it. I would have much rather been at a library, out with friends, or at home. But, for whatever reason, my father saw something in me when I would take a swing on the range.

Today, I'm glad that he did.

Over time, disdain became neutrality that turned into interest and, finally, love. It's funny looking back on this now. If it weren't for my dad, my life would look very different.

No doubt.

It's one of the many things I love about him. He believed in me before I ever believed in myself.

A lot has changed since those early days, but my father's love and support have not. Even this past year, he wanted to be with me during my entire rookie year on The Epson Tour.

But Australia isn't just a quick car ride away.

He stayed with me for the latter part of the season, and honestly, I needed him. His support and encouragement helped me get my top-10 finish and punch my card. Without him, none of this would've been possible.

Inception

Before The Epson Tour, there was the journey to get there. Falling in love with golf meant falling in love with the competition. It meant entering tournaments, celebrating victories, and learning from defeats.

I had my fair share of both.

One of my highest points was winning the Youth Olympics in 2018. It was one of the moments that let me know I could compete at a high level. And it helped springboard my career.

After that, any doubts or second-guessing about my choices were out the window. It was all golf all the time. Joining The Epson Tour was the next big step in my career.

Little did I know it would come with new highs and lows.

The expectations

Going into my first year on The Epson Tour, I didn't know what to expect. Maybe that was a good thing. A top-ten finish on the money list earns you your LPGA status, but the majority of golfers don't get it in year one.

For most, it takes a couple of seasons, if it ever comes at all.

For many, this is the last stop. Unable to advance further, the dream can die at the edge of achieving it.

When my season started, I quickly realized I wasn't ready. Those first couple of tournaments were tough. I felt like a fish out of water.

I was uncomfortable with the courses, didn't have a lot of personal relationships with other golfers, and simply wasn't ready for this new experience.

It felt overwhelming at first. But luckily, I started to find my groove as the season went on. Next thing I knew, I was in the mix to earn my LPGA status.

When I did, it felt surreal.

My golf journey was like a trek up a mountain. The higher I went, the harder it got, but the more I climbed, the more beautiful and satisfying the view.

The next story

When one chapter ends, another one begins. I now get to launch my career on the LPGA Tour, and I couldn't be more ecstatic.

What felt like a 'chore' at first has turned into a dream career. My relationship with golf surely took some interesting turns. I'm not sure what my rookie season in the LPGA will be like, but I'm ready. I will take the things I've learned over the years and use them as a foundation to prepare for the next level.

And when things get tough, or I need someone to talk to, it's reassuring to know my dad is just a phone call away.

Who knows, he might even be in the crowd.

Grace Kim On Her Road To The LPGA

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