Since a tie for eighth at the 2021 ISPS Handa World Invitational, Australian Sarah Kemp has been struggling to find her game. In her next 12 events, she made just three cuts with a best finish of T44 at the 2021 ShopRite Classic. Kemp, always quick with a smile despite the challenges, admitted to having to work on her patience through these last months.
“I haven't started off the year very well at all. I have slowly gotten a little bit better, but I still missed the (Chevron) cut by one and San Diego by a few more,” said Kemp. “But I gradually got a little better each time. That was in the back of my mind.”
The LOTTE Championship has not historically been kind to Kemp. This is her first appearance in Hawaii since she tied for 59th in 2016, and she missed the cut in her four prior appearances.
But there’s something about Hoakalei Country Club that has brought a glint to Kemp’s eye. The Sydney native sits three strokes off the lead at -7 heading into the weekend, surviving yet another windy day with a bogey-free, 3-under 69 on Friday.
“I grew up at a course in Australia that's very windy (New South Wales Golf Club), so I feel comfortable hitting lower golf shots,” said Kemp, who specifically worked on low-trajectory shots in this week’s practice rounds. “It can get gusty. You really got pick a good time to hit it. But, yeah, keeping it low is super big advantage around here.”
With two great rounds of golf behind her, Kemp was off to soak in the Hawaiian vibes in a way that would make any Aussie proud. “I might have a nap then head to the beach, find some more poke,” she said with a smile.
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