It’s safe to say Stephanie Kyriacou is becoming the next big thing in women’s golf. At 22 years of age, the Sydney-based professional golfer (St. Michael’s Golf Club is her home club) is competing in the prestigious LPGA Tour and making a name for herself as an elite athlete.

A quick rise to the global stage

When it comes to the game of golf, Stephanie has a laser-focused mindset. Once you see her tee off, there’s no denying her super-smooth golf swing is as technical as it is powerful. She’s more than just a talented player, though – Stephanie exudes an undeniable charisma whenever she walks out on the green. Spectators watch closely, and her competitors don’t want to miss an iota of her skill or strategy.

It was her amateur win at the 2020 Bonville Australian Ladies Classic that initially catapulted her to the global golf stage. At just 19 years old, she won the event by eight strokes, with a total score of 22-under-par.

It’s an auspicious time to succeed in women’s golf, as the sport is on the precipice of great change. Athletes have, in the past, had to contend with a lot of outdated ideals about what women’s golf should be, but modern-day attitudes are now being welcomed with alacrity. Think global audiences, bigger prize purses and innovative tournament formats. It’s showtime for Stephanie Kyriacou, and the world is watching.

Tipped for success

We sat down with Stephanie before she jetted off to start the LPGA season and asked her what aspects of her game she’d like to improve. Her response was casual and laconic, but she did share that she’s made some improvements over the off-season under the tutelage of her coach Grant Waite.

When the conversation turned to her equipment, Stephanie became extra animated. As a proud ambassador for Titleist, her golf bag currently holds their TSR Driver, the T100s irons, a TSI Hybrid 3 wood and the BV SM9 wedge. Oh, and an 11-year-old ‘lucky’ putter that she’s not letting go of any time soon. Those in the know understand that Team Titleist is a formidable one on tour – Stephanie’s stablemates include a slew of top-class athletes such as Lydia Ko, Danielle Kang, Jessica Korda and So Yeon Ryu, to name a few.

Kingston Heath and The Dunes (both Championship Courses in Victoria) are named as some of her favourite regional courses to play when she’s on home soil, and Stephanie regaled us with tales of St. Michael’s Golf Club – which she says always has well-maintained fairways and greens, as well as superb Pacific Ocean views.

When asked which major trophy she would most like to win, Stephanie quips “the British Open because I love links golf.” The young golfer finished in the top 10 at the British Open last year, and there’s little to no doubt we’ll eventually see her hoist that trophy high.

Notably, WPGA CEO Karen Lunn observed that “rookies rarely hit the ground running on any tour and those who do usually are the ones who go on to reach the summit. I have absolutely no doubt that Stephanie is a star in the making.”

The season so far

The season has been full of highs and lows, but Stephanie's talents continue to shine. In the opening round of the Chevron Championship in Houston, Texas – the LPGA's first major of the season – she fired a four-under 68, which put her one stroke behind the Round 1 leader. After landing three birdies on the front nine, and one bogey on the tenth, she achieved a spectacular finish with a stunning 89-metre wedge shot.

Dedicated women’s golf supporters will also be excited to learn that Stephanie will be returning to Sydney in November for the prestigious ISPS HANDA Australian Open hosted by The Australian and The Lakes golf clubs.

With sports fans all over the world clocking the achievements of other golfers from the land Down Under, it won’t be long until they’re singing the praises of another sun-kissed Australian and talented crowd favourite – if they aren’t already.

By Roxanne Andrews