Bubbly NSW golfer Sarah Kemp admits she has squandered her natural talent for far too long.

When she entered the professional ranks as a sweet swinging teenager in 2005 Kemp boasted an amateur record that suggested she had the goods to join fellow Aussie Karrie Webb on the world stage.

She had the ability, the desire and, according to those who’d watched her play as an amateur, the ball striking skills to go all the way.

What she didn’t have, and what she now accepts has been the missing link, is a work ethic that separates the very good players from the field.

Kemp, who’s world ranking has slipped to 250, took a brutally honest look at her career after breaking her foot while running barefoot up some marble stairs in a German hotel last April.

“It (broken foot) may have been a blessing in disguise,” reflected Kemp, a six time winner on the Australian tour (ALPG) who’ll line up against Webb in this week’s Ladies Masters at Royal Pines.

“I fell into the trap of just cruising along. I had a carefree attitude and my game didn’t really blossom.

“(But) … I know now if I keep that up, I’m not going to get anywhere.”

Kemp doesn’t want to be remembered as an average player who wasted her natural talent.

“I had dreams as a kid,” the 27-year-old told AAP.

“I remember giving mum notes I’d written saying I wanted to be the best golfer in the world.

“I still want to achieve some things. I’m disappointed in myself.”

Kemp said the LPGA was such a “dog eat dog tour” she knew if she didn’t lift her game and put some quality into her practice, she would regret it.

“I know I have to get the killer instinct, apply myself and practice harder or I won’t get there,” she said.

She learned a valuable lesson last year returning from her serious foot injury too early.

“I played terrible in the Irish Open then finished near last in the two US events before I consulted a physiotherapist who told me I only had 35 per cent strength in my leg,” she said.

“I don’t want to put too much pressure on myself but I’ve practiced harder than I ever have in the last three months and prepared better than I ever have for this year.”