BARE MY SOUL: STEPH KYRIACOU

STEPHANIE Kyriacou is one of the most exciting prospects in world golf. Here, we speak with the 20-yearold Australian about her first year as a touring professional, life in quarantine, money matches and her plans for 2021.

Firstly, congratulations on your incredible year. It obviously started with that massive victory at Bonville, saw you turn professional and ended with being named Rookie of the Year on the Ladies European Tour. What were your expectations at the beginning of 2020 and did you well and truly exceed them?

I set out overseas for two weeks in August having turned professional after that Australian Classic win at Bonville. It’s fair to say I didn’t really have any expectations at all. I really only left the country planning to play the Scottish Open and the Women’s Open – but I ended up in Europe for three and a half months because of the pandemic.

How close were you and your dad (Nick) prior to last year – and how close are you now having spent all that time together travelling?

We’re closer now … I think (laughs). It’s something that not many fathers and daughters go through. It was tough at times because we were constantly in each other’s pockets. But that would happen with anyone if you’re spending nearly four months with them – and I’m glad I had him there with me for everything.

What were some personal highlights during 2020?

Travelling to Cyprus during my time off was amazing. I got to go there and meet dad’s family. Playing well obviously helped as well and I was excited to get some TV time (laughs). The main challenge last year was trying to figure out where we could go and play events without having to quarantine.

Your first year out as a touring professional was a bit of a baptism by fire. How will that help your career moving forwards?

I think I was very lucky with the year I had because it can only get better from here, right? Hopefully COVID slowly goes away and since I got out on Tour last year, I kind of know what to expect this year and in the years ahead. We just got our rough schedule for 2021 and I just kind of have to play it by ear. But if everything does go ahead, I’ll probably be leaving Australia for Europe in mid-May and coming back around early December.

Do you think your dad will want to travel with you again this year?

Yeah, I think he wants to come for another holiday (laughs). But I want to try and go on my own for a little bit, too, so I can learn how to look after myself because obviously dad’s not going to come with me for the rest of my life. I want to get a glimpse of what it’s going to be like by myself. I’ve never had a professional caddie – it’s always been dad – so I think I’m going to look for one this year. I’m kind of excited to work with someone.

What are some of the goals you have in place at the moment?

I’ve got a few. My main one is to get a little bit longer, so I’m working on that with my coach (Gary Barter) at the moment before heading back overseas. I’m not going to be like Bryson DeChambeau though (laughs). It’s not like I hit it super short, but an extra 10 metres off the tee definitely wouldn’t hurt.

Is that with the aim of eventually competing on the LPGA Tour?

Yeah it is. I want to get there as quickly as I can.

Is there anyone at St Michael’s (home club in Sydney) still brave enough to play you for money?

There are still some people … I played today for the first time in about a month, so I was a bit nervous to be honest. I gave someone 30 shots and managed to get his money, so that was nice (laughs).

Do you have a favourite golf course that you’ve played?

Royal Troon. Hands down. Every speck of grass was immaculate during the Women’s Open.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Work hard now, celebrate later.