Photograph courtesy of Tristan Jones Photography/LET

Teen star Steph Kyriacou has turned professional and joined the Ladies European Tour ahead of this week’s Women’s New South Wales Open at Dubbo Golf Club.

The 19-year-old from Sydney earned a two-year exemption on the LET with her stunning victory in the Geoff King Motors Australian Ladies Classic at Bonville Golf Resort on Sunday, when she blitzed the field to win by eight strokes.

She has since climbed 547 spots on the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings, moving up to position 287, which gives her additional confidence heading into this week’s event.

“I’m so happy to announce that I’m turning professional,” said Kyriacou.

“I’ll be playing my first event as a pro this week in Dubbo, so it’s very exciting.

“It’s been very, very crazy. I’ve had so many messages and missed phone calls. I’ve had emails from I don’t even know whom. I’ve had all these big decisions to make and everything has happened so quickly.

“It wasn’t a hard decision to make. I did weigh up all the options but I was hoping to turn pro at the end of the year anyway and this has opened up a few more doors and moved the goal post a bit.

“I’m excited about getting a start in the Evian Championship, which is a major. That will be huge.”

Kyriacou had her first look at Dubbo Golf Club on Tuesday, where she will have the chance to earn a second consecutive title this week.

She said: “We’re on home soil again, so hopefully I can finish in the top ten. Another win would be good, but I’m not having any high expectations after last week.”

When asked about whether she would have any first tee nerves on Thursday, she said: “I’m obviously going to be a bit nervous as a rookie, but I’ve got mum and dad here, so I think I’ll be okay.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me throughout my amateur career and helped to get me to where I am today, especially Golf New South Wales, St. Michael’s Golf Club and all my family and friends.”

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