On February 10, Gabriela Ruffels announced to the world via Instagram that she had decided to turn professional, with her pro debut coming at this week’s Gainbridge LPGA at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club. Yet when asked about whether there were any significant differences in her life or golf game, she said that the only difference was a nominal adjustment.

“Definitely sticking to my game, what I know works for me. I feel like there is no reason to really change things up,” said a confident Ruffels. “I`ve been able to have some success last year playing in a couple pro events, so nothing changes. I guess just the title. I don`t have a parenthesis next to my name, so that`s about it.”

Ruffels’ best finish on Tour as an amateur was a T13 result at the 2020 Pelican Women’s Championship. With her appearances in five other Tour events and her wins at the 2019 U.S. Women`s Amateur and North & South Women’s Amateur, Ruffels hopes what she has learned from her amateur experience can be used against any first-tee jitters.

“I don`t really set goals. I just like to be out here. Always feel like I`m learning when I`m testing my game against the best in the world,” said Ruffels. “I feel like you can`t really control how you do, so just go out there and try and play my best. Know that you`re good enough to be out here and trust yourself and have fun out there.”

Ruffels will tee off No. 10 on Thursday with Americans Gerina Piller and Lindsey Weaver.

The other Australians in the field this week are Katherine Kirk, Sarah Kemp and Sarah Jane Smith.

For tee-times and to follow the live scoring click HERE