Rookie golfer Rachel Kuehn reflected on her journey as a golfer and what it means to compete at the 10th annual Murphy USA El Dorado Shootout at Mystic Creek Golf Club.
The Epson Tour event features a $300,000 purse and attracts some of the sport’s most promising players. For Kuehn, whose love for golf was sparked by her mother, it represents both a personal milestone and an opportunity to compete at a high level.
“I think the whole tour is excited to be here,” said Rachel Kuehn, golfer. “I’m a rookie so it’s my first time here. But, everyone raves about the golf course, and obviously this tournament means a lot to the community. I got to meet my host family last night and they’re absolutely incredible, and if they’re anything like the rest of the community I’m sure it’s going to be a great week.”
Kuehn said she’s been a golfer her whole life, inspired by her mother, who was a collegiate player and briefly competed professionally.
“She raised my brothers and I pretty much on the golf course, so it’s been a part of my life for as long as I can remember,” she said.
Kuehn explained what excited her most about coming to play at Mystic Creek Golf Club.
“Everyone just raves about the golf course,” she said. “Everyone says it’s one of their favorite stops of the year. I’m sure it’s going to be a really great test to golf, and I’m excited to see what all the hype is about.”
Kuehn said preparation for a tournament goes beyond practice, extending to both mental focus and physical readiness.
“This is our second to last event,” she said. “It means a lot to a lot of girls. There’s always something to play for. Whether you’re trying to get your card, get into stage three of Q-school, or trying to keep your card for next year. There’s always something that you’re striving for.
“You want to make sure you’re getting enough reps on the golf course and being able to get comfortable and confident with your T-lines, and some demanding shots around here. But, also making sure you’re rested come Friday morning.”
Kuehn said it’s been a dream of hers to play professional golf.
“To get to live out this dream is everything I could have wanted and more,” she said. “There are some really great players out here, and I think that the future of women’s golf is exciting. We see amateurs that are competing out here and rookies that secured their LPGA [Ladies Professional Golf Association].
“I’ve learned a lot. But, I also am just so optimistic for the future of woman’s golf.”
